Lionel Richie Explains How He Made His Decision to Save Rae on “American Idol”: 'I Chose Vibe'
Lionel Richie Explains How He Made His Decision to Save Rae on “American Idol”: 'I Chose Vibe'
Daniela AvilaTue, April 7, 2026 at 9:00 PM UTC
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Lionel Richie and RaeCredit: Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty -
Lionel Richie said saved Rae over Jesse Findling on American Idol based on her vibe and stage presence
Fellow judges Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood supported Richie’s decision despite calling it a tough and unexpected choice
Rae expressed mixed emotions about staying in the competition while her closest friend Findling was sent home
On American Idol, winning the judges song contest can be a blessing and curse — because it means to choosing which of the bottom two contestants gets another opportunity to remain in the competition.
At the end of the show on Monday, April 6, contestants Rae and Jesse Findling were left in the bottom two and judge Lionel Richie — who won the judge's song contest — had the opportunity to save one contestant.
The "Hello" singer chose Rae — and he opened up about his decision in an interview with a small group of reporters after the show.
"I feel so good about winning, let me make that clear. At one point, I was doing so well, it got embarrassing because it's like, what about the rest of my judges? So that's No. 1, " Richie, 76, said playfully.
"Secondly, which made it kind of strange for me, was I now had to select this person... So I picked vibe. I picked attitude. I picked stage presence," he continued. "I chose vibe over everything else."
In the judge's song contest, each judge anonymously selected a song for each contestant — and it was up to the contestant to choose the song they wished to perform. Each time the contestant chose a judge's song, they earned a point. This year's theme was songs of the '90s.
"It was a good decision," Luke Bryan, 49, said. "Rae has been really solid singing all year. I think if she had any bump on the road it was because she really didn't know any of the songs and was rushing but she has been solid every round."
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The "Drunk on You" singer noted that Findling was also a great pick — but he fully supports Richie's decision. Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood, 43, said it was an "impossible" decision.
"There was no right answer," the "Before He Cheats" singer said. "I didn't think those two would be in the bottom but you don't know what America is hearing at home. In the room it's a different energy."
After the show, Rae said she was experiencing a mix of emotions. While she was grateful to remain in the competition, she was sad to see her friend go home.
Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood and Luke BryanCredit: Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty
"Jesse is my closest friend here," Rae, 24, said. "It was just all running through my head. This has been a long period of my life. But I just miss Jesse and he's destined for amazing things. He's so young and so talented and I'm excited to see his career blow up."
In addition to Findling, Julián Kalel and Jake Thistle were sent home at the top of the show.
Next week, the remaining 11 contestants will sing a song of their choice from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The episode will air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
