‘American Idol’ Gets Royal Surprise From King Charles III & Queen Camilla As Katy Perry & Lionel Richie Check-In From The U.K.

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.

“What a party, what a party, it was unbelievable,” Richie said from Windsor Castle.

Richie continued, “We’re trying to figure out what can we do to bring something different to the show, so… I would like to….”

Perry and Richie then stepped aside as newly-crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla entered the scene surprising the American Idol judges.

WornOnTV: Katy's green off-shoulder satin dress on American Idol | Katy  Perry | Clothes and Wardrobe from TV

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

“We have to give the room up right away,” Richie said into the mic as he turned and looked at the camera.

Coronation performers: The royals appeared as American Idol judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie , who were in the United Kingdom to perform during the Coronation concert , appeared virtually to check in with host Ryan Seacrest, 48

King Charles III then added, “Thank you so much for your brilliant performance and Katy was wonderful.”

Perry asked if they were making too much noise for them. Richie reminded the King he was throwing a party and said he would join later.

Back on the Hollywood set, Luke Bryan was joined by Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran in the judge’s chairs in the absence of Perry and Richie.