Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan Were Friends Before ‘American Idol’

Reality TV

Updated: Apr 11, 2018 12:56 pm·

By Paulina Jayne Isaac

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There's absolutely no denying that the chemistry between American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, and host Ryan Seacrest is infectious. The camaraderie between the four stars makes ABC's reality singing competition show so much fun to watch. As it turns out, there's a reason why they all get along so well — they're actually friends IRL.

That's right. The fun personalities, who come alive on TV, all knew each other before the 2018 Idol reboot. Keep scrolling to see Ryan, Lionel, Katy, and Luke through the years!

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Lionel Richie and Katy Perry — 2009

Flashback to 2009 when Katy Perry was gaining recognition in the music industry following her worldwide hit, "I Kissed a Girl." Her current co-judge presented her with the International Female award at the BRIT Awards. He even cheered her on as she gave her acceptance speech!

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Ryan Seacrest and Lionel Richie — 2009

What a way to ring in the new year! During Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2009 With Ryan Seacrest, the current Idol host celebrated the holiday alongside judge Lionel Richie and popular singers Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and Joe Jonas. Lionel also performed during the live TV special.

"This is awesome, huh?" Ryan asked Lionel. He responded, "This is crazy. This is insane."

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Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan — 2012

It's no secret that Luke and Lionel are huge fans of each other's music. Luke had the opportunity to perform for his future co-judge at Academy of Country Music's Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert show.

"I get to sing in front of Mr. Lionel Richie. 'Cause your music has shaped my life," Luke admitted on stage. "It's inspired me… Nothing's more rewarding in this business than when you meet one of your heroes and your hero is everything you ever dreamed he would be. And that is you."

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Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan — 2013

Luke and Lionel's relationship extends beyond professional. Luke's wife of 12 years, Caroline Boyer, is also friends with the "Three Times a Lady" singer. The three spent time together at the CMT Music Awards.

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Ryan Seacrest and Katy Perry — 2013

During the popular iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Katy met up with Ryan. The "Roar" singer headlined alongside Justin Timberlake, Elton John, and Bruno Mars.

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Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — 2014

Look at those smiles — it's clear Luke and Lionel really can't get enough of each other! The two singers shared an award at the CMT Music Awards for their performance of "Oh No/All Night Long" during the previous year's CMT Artists of the Year special.

"I'm speechless," Luke exclaimed. "I cannot believe I've had the opportunity to hang with this guy, to be in his presence, to watch him light up a room. He has that amazing ability, and the fact that I have won an award with [Lionel] is just amazing, buddy. I can't say that enough."

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Ryan Seacrest and Katy Perry — 2015

By 2015, Katy and Ryan were old pals! The friends greeted each other at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in LA. She later left the audience speechless during a powerful performance of her song, "By the Grace of God."

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Luke Bryan and Ryan Seacrest — 2016

Luke and Ryan welcomed the new year together during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve celebration in Times Square. The singer performed a medley of his hits to a thrilled audience.

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Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — 2016

What a group! Luke and Lionel met up again at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. The co-judges performed alongside Meghan Trainor, Tyrese Gibson, and Demi Lovato in celebration of Lionel's MusiCares Person of the Year honor.

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