The 'American Idol' judge declares that he is excited to be 'that loving Pop-Pop' who 'comes in the door and spoils' his model daughter's unborn first child.
- Jan 31, 2024
AceShowbiz - Lionel Richie has talked about potential names for Sofia Richie's baby girl. A few days after his daughter made headlines with her pregnancy news, the "American Idol" judge eliminated one potential name for his unborn granddaughter.
The 74-year-old Grammy winner declared that he has banned one moniker from a list of potential names for Sofia's daughter in an interview published on Tuesday, January 30. Speaking to E! News at "The Greatest Night in Pop" premiere one day prior, he said, "You can't call her Lionella." He went on to say, "You know what? I'm gonna leave that to the parents."
Lionel was making a reference to an Italian name, which means "little lioness" and derives from his own first name. He further stated, "I'm just gonna be that loving Pop-Pop that comes in the door and spoils the child."
During the chat, Lionel voiced his thoughts on raising girls. "I just think that, so far in my life, it's the girls that kill you." He explained, "When I say that I mean, honestly, Nicole, Nicole, do I have to say any more? And then Sofia, do I have to say any more?" referring to his other daughter Nicole Richie.
"So, there's a moment in time when your parents start laughing when you have a kid," the "Say You, Say Me" hitmaker continued. "I can't wait to start laughing because it's at that point now where I said, 'You're having a little girl, mm-hmm.' "
About his role, Lionel further shared, "I'm in Pop-Pop position. I look forward to my relationship [with her] because that's the part I love the most. With all of my kids, I love my relationships and each one has their own personality."
At the same event, the "Hello" crooner said that he is "thrilled" for Sofia and her husband Elliot Grainge. He told Entertainment Tonight, "My baby is having a baby. I'm so thrilled for Elliot and Sophia. They are just over the moon." He added, "I'm Pop-pop. We don't get the 'grandpa,' yeah, that's a little deep. Pop-pop is where we're going."
Lionel, who is also a father to his 29-year-old son Miles Richie, already has two grandchildren. His daughter Nicole shares 16-year-old daughter Harlow and 14-year-old son Sparrow with Joel Madden.
