Lionel Richie Named 2022 Gershwin Prize Honoree
Shannon Finney/Getty Images Reading Time: 2 minutes
Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men, and Luke Bryan honored Lionel Richie Wednesday night. The singer is the 2022 recipient of The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The celebration was hosted by actor Anthony Anderson with members of Congress and top music artists all in attendance. The show will air on PBS on May 17.
Richie has been getting his flowers as of late. The American Idol judge is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee this year as well. With a career that spans over 40 years, Richie should be one of the artists who wins the nomination this year.
The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is an award given to a composer or performer for their lifetime contributions to popular music. Richie first rose to fame as the lead singer as well as songwriter in the group the Commodores in the 70s. When the singer went solo in the 80’s he was the most popular artist during that time. Richie has sold well over 100 million albums world wide. The singer has won multiple Grammy awards, an Oscar, and is often regarded as one of the best singer-songwriters to ever exist.
Last night’s all-star tribute only solidified what many fans feel about the singer. Richie’s fellow American Idol judge Bryan also paid tribute to the singer. The country crooner took to the piano to perform a rendition of Richie’s “Lady.”
Lionel Richie on ‘American Idol’
Richie’s Gershwin Prize is just another accolade on his list. The singer has continued his legendary career on American Idol. Richie is giving young hopefuls advice on how they can one day be in his shoes. At 72 years old, the “We Are the World” songwriter isn’t just mentoring the contestants on the hit singing competition, but also the younger judges who sit next to him.
Bryan being on hand to honor Richie shows that the judges are just more than co-workers. While promoting the latest season of Idol the two had undeniable chemistry as they talked about their friendship. Bryan has said that he could call Ritchie and ask for his guidance when it comes to navigating the music industry.
The “One Margarita” singer also honored Richie at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. The two superstar singers don’t seem as though they can escape each other. Along with Perry both Richie and Bryan have Las Vegas residencies.
