‘American Idol’ judge Lionel Richie surprises contestant with Patti LaBelle

Achieving your American Idol dreams is one thing —  but chatting with the Godmother of Soul is next level.

Within just a few minutes, 26-year-old Kolbi Jordan managed both. The season 23 premiere of American Idol saw the Tulsa, OK.-based singer wow the judges with her personality and a spirited rendition of Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany (I’m Leaving).” Afterwards, Lionel Richie surprised her with a phone call to her favorite singer, Patti LaBelle.

Prior to her performance, Jordan, who introduced herself as a “people and culture generalist” (aka Human Resources representative), shared that gospel and the oldies are her genre of choice.

“Patti LaBelle, favorite singer, baby,” she said. “She came to Tulsa this year — I was in that thang. She looked at me, gave me a flower, ahh!”

Judge Luke Bryan then pointed out, “Lionel has Patti on speed dial.”

Excited as she was, Jordan cautioned, “Don’t call her, ’cause I’m gonna pass out.”

Jordan then launched into her song. Before she delivered the final note, Richie was looking at his phone — and sneakily dialing LaBelle’s number.

When Kolbi finished up, he put the R&B legend on speaker and said into the phone, “I’m so happy you answered the phone at the right time, darling. There is a young lady here who has really been ‘sanging.’ So I want to introduce you.”

Jordan appeared flustered as she tried speaking to her hero. “Hi beautiful,” she managed.

“I heard you’re a ‘sanger,’ not a singer,” LaBelle replied. 

Jordan rushed out: “Can I have some pie?” before dissolving into giggles.

LaBelle, a singer, actress, and pie connoisseur, replied, “I’ll give you some pie after you win.”

Before signing off, she added, “Love you, Kolbi. And good luck!”

Richie then shared his hopes for the finale: “My dream is to have the two of you standing side by side,” he shared. “I can’t even imagine what that’s going to be.”

Once she was done fangirling over LaBelle, the judges showered Jordan in praise over her performance.

“Obviously, an incredible voice,” said Carrie Underwood. “I’m so happy for you. We just met and I feel proud of you and excited for you. You had dynamics within dynamics. It was just amazing.”

Bryan added, “People and Culture Generalist? You can kiss that little title goodbye.”

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Richie weighed in too, telling Jordan, “First of all, the instrument is just crazy great. And the second thing is you sold us just on your personality. Now you put those two together and you have a crowd that’s pleased with your performance, but I’m telling you, it’s amazing to have you here.”

She replied, “I’m blessed to be here.”

Not only was the voting a unanimous decision (“Hallelujah yes,” according to Richie), Jordan walked out with a platinum ticket in hand.

A higher honor than the golden ticket, only three platinum tickets are given out per season and allow the artist to skip the first round of performances during Hollywood Week, so they can scope out their competition as an audience member.

Watch Kolbi’s full audition above.