American Idol returns to ABC on Sunday, February 16, and Ryan Seacrest and Lionel Richie have a season 3 premiere drinking game for you â and itâs created out of the cutest thought.
The âHelloâ singer phoned into On Air With Ryan Seacrest on Thursday, February 13, and admitted heâs the âPapaâ of the competition show, not only judging contestants but offering support and reassurance.
âTheyâve never had anyone to care about them,â Richie reflected on some of the contestants with upsetting background stories. â⊠In the middle of the lights and camera and you realize they need a hug,â he continued of why he often gets up to hug contestants after they audition. âThey need some kind of reassuring moment ⊠I realized Iâm Papa! I know that Iâm supposed to be this judge, ⊠but for a brief moment they just need a hug.â
So whatâs the drinking game?
âWhen he gets up from the table,â Seacrest said, if youâre of drinking age, âtake a shot!â
The iconic performer also shared his tentpoles to living like Lionel in a happy state of peaceful bliss. Listen back to the audio above to hear them and catch the season 3 premiere of American Idol on Sunday, February 16, at 8/7c.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)