VGFacts

Here's a possible reference I found for for Kirby: Return to Dreamland, this requires some speculation.
Now here's the redesign for the Crash ability used in the game, now he has a hat!

I don't know about you, but when ever I see that hat I think of the Holy Hand Grenade from Monty Python's Holy Grail. It even has a star where the cross would be!

Now this is pure speculation, but it is a very popular movie. Maybe someone at HAL is a fan of Monty Python? Who knows?

Its kind of what I'd figure Kirby would look like if he ate the pope.

It looks nothing like it...

I don't see a resemblance.