Lionel Richie's Coronation performance disappoints fans with 'karaoke'-style singing

Lionel Richie’s Coronation performance has disappointed fans, with ‘awful’ renditions of his hit songs reminding viewers of... drunk people doing karaoke.

Richie was among a number of famous faces to take to the Union Jack-shaped stage yesterday (Sunday 7 May) in honour of King Charles III’s coronation the day before.

The bill also featured the likes of Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger, Take That and Olly Murs.

“To share the stage with the other performers at the coronation concert is a once-in-a-lifetime event and it will be an honour and a celebration,” Richie said ahead of the big event.

He began with a performance of ‘Easy’, before picking up the pace a bit with dancefloor classic ‘All Night Long’.

As the band geared up for the second tune, Richie shouted to the audience: “Are you ready? Are you readaaaay? It’s time, I want... everybody... all night long!”

BBC

He even got the new King up on his feet dancing, but people watching at home weren’t quite as won over by the performance.

One tweeted: “I love Lionel Richie but why is he singing like a drunk uncle at a karaoke.”

Someone else agreed: “Lionel Richie sounds like everybody on a drunk Friday night at karaoke. This is awful. Fitting really.”

And a third wrote: “Take it Lionel Richie can’t sing anymore? He sounds awful.”

BBC

A fourth assumed that 'he wasn’t able to hear himself or the music', while a fifth added: "Anyone else disappointed by Lionel Richie's performance at the Coronation Concert?"

After Richie and fellow US singer Perry performed, Charles ended up returning the favour, and made a special surprise appearance on American Idol alongside the duo.

The trio shared a message with US viewers in a pre-taped segment, with Richie telling the studio they wanted to do something ‘different’ with the show.

“I have a surprise,” he said, as Charles and wife Camilla shuffled into the frame.

“I just wanted to check how long you’ll be using this room for?” Charles asked Richie, before laughing.

“Are we making too much noise?” Perry asked.

The King then told the stars they gave a ‘brilliant performance’ at the concert, before Ritchie added: "As soon as we finish, we're coming to the party.”

The royals then left the screen, while Perry and Richie left guest judges Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morrisette to it across the pond.

While the American Idol audience could be heard whooping and cheering as Charles and Camilla appeared, over on Twitter, people admitted they’d been left ‘cringing’ by the stunt.