Lionel Richie received the prestigious Icon Award at the 2022 American Music Awards on November 20. The 73-year-old was honored with a touching tribute of performances from famous artists like Stevie Wonder, Ari Lennox, and Charlie Puth.
During their performance, Stevie and Charlie sang some of the legendary singer’s songs including, “Say You, Say Me,” “All Night Long,” and “Easy.” On the other hand, Ari joined several stars in singing “We Are the World,” such as Jimmie Allen, Smokey Robinson, Melissa Etheridge, Dustin Lynch, Muni Long, and Yola.
Lionel has an impressive singing career with five decades and counting of being in the music industry. During his acceptance speech, he reflected on his journey saying, “I started out here at the AMAs. And my career, to this day 40 years later, I’m back at the AMAs.”
The multi-awarded singer also shared a message for those who want to follow his footsteps. He said, “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.”
The Icon Award marks Lionel’s 18th AMAs trophy in his music career, He has already sold more than 125 million albums worldwide and has garnered numerous awards from different award-giving bodies. He has four Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar. Above all, he went down in history as the first to receive an RIAA diamond album award.
In November 7, the American Idol judge shared in a statement, “I’m immensely grateful for a career that has taken me to places I never imagined that I’d 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.”
