Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality who has received this year’s prestigious icon award and celebrated all night long which he had more than a good reason to do.
During the 2022 American Music Awards on November 20, the legendary singer was honored with the prestigious Icon Award. In addition to receiving the honor, the 73-year-old was recognized with a moving tribute to performances by Stevie Wonder, Charlie Puth, and Ari Lennox.
During their time on stage, Stevie and Charlie, each performed a few of his hits including, “Say You, Say Me,” “All Night Long,” and “Easy.” Ari was among a million other stars who joined the stage to sing “We Are the World,” such as Melissa Etheridge, Jimmie Allen, Smokey Robinson, Muni Long, Dustin Lynch, and Yola which received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Lionel whose impressive career in the music industry spans over five decades and counting also reflected on his journey as he took the stage to accept his trophy.
“I started out here at the AMAs, and my career, to this day, 40 years later, I’m back at the AMAs.”
The singer also had a message for those following in his footsteps.
“What I want to say and take this time to do is to talk to the young superstars. God has given you a light. That light is special. That light is only given to a few. When you hear the word ‘hip’, it means today. When you hear the word ‘inspiring’, it means forever. If you get the chance to have that light on you, understand what God has in store and what God is trying to tell you. You are chosen to inspire”.
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The prestigious Icon Award marks Lionel’s 18th trophy earned from the AMAs. The singer, who has sold over 125 million albums worldwide, is also the recipient of four Grammys, an Oscar, and one Golden Globe award and was the first person in history to receive an RIAA diamond album award.
Ahead of this year’s ceremony, the American Idol judge revealed the full-circle moment.
“I’m immensely grateful for a career that has taken me to places I never imagined that I would go; from arenas worldwide to studio sets to the AMA stage, I can recall one of the first times I got to perform at the AMAs. It was to sing ‘We Are the World’ among the most iconic musicians of my generation. So it is surreal to be receiving this recognition 36 years later”.
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Lionel Richie suits up with his girlfriend Lisa Parigi to AMA
Lionel Richie and his girlfriend Lisa Parigi looked classy in matching black ensembles at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
The 73-year-old singer-songwriter and his 33-year-old lady love flashed broad smiles at the event and cuddled up close as they posed up a storm.
Richie donned a black blazer with a neckline that ended near the top of his chest. He added matching black shoes and skinny slacks to the outfit as he was set to receive this year’s Icon Award, fresh off his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Parigi coordinated the black dress with pink lips, a pink manicure and pedicure, and a sleek middle-parted hairstyle. For accessories, she wore long dangling earrings, and a beaming clutch and finalized the look with open-toe gold stiletto heels.
The prestigious award winner posed with the statue: a large, shiny triangular prism on top of a white base with his name and the year written in gold.
The ‘Hello’ singer held up the award and showed it off in a number of different positions as many people looked on.
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