Clay Aiken Makes Surprise Confession to Ruben Studdard About 'American Idol' Journey (Exclusive)

Viewers of "American Idol" were treated to a regal surprise Sunday evening in the form of two newly crowned royals while watching the latest live episode of the long-running competition show. Phoning in from across the pond and broadcasted on a big screen were judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, taking a night off from critiquing performances to give ones of their own. Both Perry and Richie were tapped to perform at King Charles' coronation concert.

American Idol welcomed royalty onto the show on Sunday evening, with King Charles and Queen Camilla making a surprise appearance alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Judges Katy, 38, and Lionel, 73, appeared via video link on American Idol as they missed this week's show due to performing at the Coronation Concert in the UK, and chatted to host Ryan Seacrest about the historic celebrations taking place in London.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla's unexpected cameo during Sunday's was almost as big a surprise for Ryan Seacrest as it was for everyone watching.Following Sunday's new episode of, Seacrest spoke with ET's Denny Directo, and explained how quickly the high-profile cameos came together.«I have to tell you, I was driving in and my phone rings and it's the executive producer and she says, 'Well, we've got some news,'» Seacrest shared. «I thought maybe something happened [with a contestant].

time from his coronation festivities to join Lionel Richie and Katy Perry for a surprise appearance on “American Idol” Sunday night.Charles and Queen Camilla casually strolled into the throne room at Buckingham Palace for a brief appearance with the two vocalists who had performed at the star-studded coronation concert on Saturday night.“I just wanted to check, how long will you be using this room for?” the 74-year-old monarch deadpanned after interrupting the live feed.The historic space has been used for extravagant balls dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria.The “All Night Long” singer feigned surprise at Charles’ query and told the panel in Los Angeles that he needed to make a quick exit.“We have to give the room up right away,” Richie, 73, joked.Charles then graciously thanked the two singers for their “brilliant performance” at the concert.Richie said that the duo would join the party after their television appearance and thanked the royals, who ambled out of the shot.Perry — who serves as an ambassador for the King’s British Asian Trust — belted out two of her classic hits, “Roar” and “Firework,” to Saturday’s massive crowd.She also gave a shout-out to King Charles III, praising him for “bringing out the firework in so many young people” through the work they’re doing together.Perry was joined by Richie, who also holds a role with a charity close to the King’s heart.The singer was named a global ambassador for The Prince’s Trust in 2019 and snagged a coveted invitation to Saturday’s coronation thanks to his role.As previously reported, the current class of “Idol” contestants are in good hands while the judges visit the UK.

Katy Perry and Lionel Richie weren’t able to be on American Idol in person for this weekend’s show, however, they still make an appearance with two special guests – King Charles III and Queen Camilla!

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large Lionel Richie and Katy Perry weren’t able to perform their normal tasks as judges on Sunday night’s “American Idol,” as they were across the pond performing for the coronation of King Charles III. So they brought back a souvenir for the show: The actual just-crowned King and Queen. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were surprise guests on “American Idol,” in a pre-taped package introduced at the start of the show by host Ryan Seacrest. The clip opens with Richie and Perry, in a room that appears to be inside Windsor Castle. Suddenly, in walks the King and Queen. “I just wanted to check, how much, how long you’ll be using this room for?” King Charles quipped to Richie. Charles then thanked Richie for attending and performing at the coronation. “Thank you so much for your brilliant performance and it was great,” he said.

The episode is set to air live on Sunday at at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m.

From London to Hollywood!

Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were absent from American Idol this week as they traveled to the U.K. to perform at the historic coronation of King Charles III.

Tom Cruise flew in for a surprise appearance during King Charles III’s Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7.

Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaž Škorjanec has made an emotional admission about his wife Janette Manrara's pregnancy as they prepare to become first-time parents. The dancing couple announced the joyous news they were expecting back in February with their bundle of joy due this summer.

has revealed who will be filling in for Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as they complete their coronation duties across the pond.Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran will serve as guest judges on Sunday, May 7, alongside Luke Bryan, while Perry and Richie fulfill their duties, ABC announced Monday.Morissette will be pulling double duty as she will also be a mentor to the remaining hopefuls, who will be performing her songs live on stage. The contestants will also perform duets of Sheeran's popular songs.Both are also slated to perform. Morissette will take the stage to perform one of her classics while Sheeran, who will be celebrating the release of his latest album, — (pronounced ), will perform his new single.

CinemaCon attendees got a big surprise on Thursday (April 27) when Leonardo DiCaprio made an expected appearance!

Rihanna surprised the crowd during the Paramount Pictures presentation at the 2023 CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday.The 35-year-old mommy-to-be took the stage to reveal that she will star as Smurfette in an upcoming and untitled movie. Aside from lending her voice, the Fenty Beauty mogul also shared that she is  writing and producing original music for the film and will serve as the project's musical producer.Showing off her humor, the singer joked that she tried to get the role of Papa Smurf but the part didn't work out for her. Rihanna — who is expecting baby number two with A$AP Rocky — also noted that she hopes the role gives her some cool points with her kids in the future.Although her appearance was brief, Rihanna made a statement as she showed off her baby bump in a denim dress for the occasion.

Emmerdale star Kerry Wyatt is set to make a brief comeback on the soap next week - five months after running away from the village following Al Chapman's betrayal. According to spoilers, Kerry - who is played by Laura Norton - will be returning to our screens following her daughter Chloe Harris giving birth to a baby boy, Reuben. Kerry will appear via a video call to speak with Chloe and meet the baby, as her daughter shares her struggles with motherhood after welcoming her child on the day of Mackenzie Boyd's wedding to Charity Dingle.

Prince William stunned Lorraine Kelly as he made a surprise appearance on her ITV show. The Prince of Wales has thanked the presenter for her ongoing No Butts campaign, which was spearheaded by Dame Deborah James before her death aged 40 from bowel cancer last June.

"Dawson's Creek" star Joshua Jackson thinks an affair can "be forgiven" but emphasized "no one wants to be cheated on." Jackson, who is set to star in the TV adaptation of "Fatal Attraction," revealed his thoughts on infidelity in a new interview. "I think an affair can be forgiven," Jackson, who is married, told The Sunday Times. "We’re all grown-ups.

Rihanna’s latest maternity look is a stunner.

John Mayer might just have Taylor Swift on the brain. The 45-year-old musician reflected on his 2013 song, «Paper Doll,» during a recent concert in Sacramento, California, seemingly regretting how the tune comes off.In a video captured on TikTok, Mayer says of the song, «I wonder if people don't like it because it sounds a little pissed off. I don't like 'pissed off' as a song.

John Mayer might just have his ex Taylor Swift on the brain. The 45-year-old musician reflected on his 2013 song, «Paper Doll,» during a recent concert in Sacramento, California, seemingly regretting how the tune comes off.In a video captured on TikTok, Mayer says of the song, «I wonder if people don't like it because it sounds a little pissed off. I don't like 'pissed off' as a song.