Lionel Richie is once again in talks to join American Idol with six days to go — after rapper Common rejected the job

Variety

Producers appear to be locking in on Richie for the third and final Idol judging spot. Common was “most recently” approached, according to Variety. But sources tell the trade magazine “that Richie is the one Idol wants, and that so long as they can agree on the price, the deal should close in a matter of days. It has to, as Idol is scheduled to begin shooting next Tuesday.”  ALSO: What Ryan Seacrest wears to all his day jobs.