Lionel Richie fights back tears watching Aretha Franklin's granddaughter audition for American Idol
It's emotional!
Lionel Richie is back as an American Idol judge, along with pop star Katy Perry and country music singer Luke Bryan, and he got the surprise of this life when Aretha Franklin's granddaughter stepped out to audition.
Not afraid to hide her roots, 15-year-old Grace Franklin told the panel of her family connection, to which Lionel started to reminisce about times he met Aretha. Recounting one time when he walked into her house thinking they were going to talk about music, she would say: "Lionel, I've got some collard greens I've made!"
The 'Hello' singer then revealed he has "many messages" still on his answerphone that he's kept from the soul singer, who passed away in 2018.
Grace started her audition singing Lauryn Hill's version of 'Killing Me Softly', leaving the judges undecided, so she was asked to sing another song. Choosing her grandmother's hit, 'Ain’t No Way', Grace left the judges torn, with Luke giving his answer "no" first, followed by a "yes" from Katy.
With Lionel having the deciding vote, he stood up saying: "If you go and come back and put the shyness behind you and the voice in front of you, you are going something amazing. And I don't want to be the one to make you tip over and fall at this infant stage."
Katy then interjected: "She's not! She might be a little shy, I will lay down on the ground! I quit this show, I'm going to the bar..." before walking off the stage in disbelief.
Lionel then walked forward to the teenager continuing: "Grace, you know how I feel about your family and you, I don't want this to be a crash and burn. It's going to be 'no' from me this time, but I'm optimistic, come back and see us OK? Can I give you a hug, because I have to do this?"
Take a look through some of Lionel Richie's biggest career moments:
Early career
Born in Alabama in 1949, Lionel Richie was a talented tennis player which earned him a scholarship to the Tuskegee Institute. While at university, he got involved with several music groups which lead to him co-finding R&B group the Commodores in 1968.
Commodores
After opening for the Jackson 5 on their 1971 tour, the Commodores were signed to Motown Records in 1972, with Lionel Richie as a singer, saxophonist, pianist and songwriter for the band.
They released their debut album 'Machine Gun' in 1974, later releasing their highly popular 'Commodores' album. They enjoyed great success throughout the 70s, and the band is still performing today.
1981 - 'Endless Love'
Lionel Richie wrote 'Endless Love' and recorded the song with Diana Ross in 1981 and it was the theme song for the film of the same name.
This song along with the song 'Lady' which he wrote for Kenny Rodgers in 1980 was the starting point for Lionel Richie's solo career.
1981 - Solo career
After developing his songwriting and musical talents in Commodores, Lionel made the decision to step away from the group and go solo. He brought out his self-titled debut album in 1982, which contained hit songs like 'Truly', 'You Are' and 'My Love'.
1983 - 'Can't Slow Down'
'Can't Slow Down' was Lionel Richie's next solo album which came out in 1983 and received two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
It included the track 'All Night Long' which made it to Number 2 in the UK Charts and kickstarted his solo success in the UK.
1984 - Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
Lionel Richie put on a spectacular performance when he sang his hit song 'All Night Long' at the closing ceremony for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
1985 - U.S.A. for Africa
In 1985, Lionel Richie co-wrote the charity single 'We Are The World' with Michael Jackson for U.S.A. for Africa. The track features many big names in music including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross and Tina Turner, and the single sold more than 20 million copies.
Watch 'We Are The World' on YouTube
1986 - 'Dancing on the Ceiling'
Arguably his best album to date, 'Dancing On The Ceiling' came out in 1986 and included the hit songs 'Ballerina Girl', 'Love Will Conquer All' and of course 'Dancing on the Ceiling'.
The track 'Say You, Say Me' featured in the film White Nights and the song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Taking a break from music
In 1987 Lionel Richie took a break from music and the public eye for to look after his father who was unwell at the time. He sadly passed away in 1990 at the age of 75.
Lionel came back with a greatest-hits collection called 'Back to Front' in 1992, and his fourth studio album 'Louder Than Words' in 1996.
1994 - Songwriters Hall of Fame
Lionel Richie joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994, and in 2016 he received the Johnny Mercer Award, which is the organisation's highest honour.
2013 - 'All the Hits, All Night Long' tour
Lionel Richie embarked on his two year 'All the Hits, All Night Long' tour in 2013, followed by a Las Vegas residency of the same name from 2016-2017.
He has now returned for another Las Vegas Residency called Back To Las Vegas taking place throughout 2022.
2017 - Kennedy Center Honoree
Lionel Richie has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions over the years including becoming a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017 for his standout career.
American Idol Judge
Using his many years of music knowledge, Lionel Richie turned his talents to helping contestants on the 2018 reboot of American Idol. He has been on the judging panel with Katy Perry and Luke Bryan since.
Awards
Throughout his decade-spanning career, Lionel Richie has won many awards for his contribution to music including winning the People's Choice Award five times, and taking home 18 American Music Awards, an Academy Award, the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and five Grammys, to name a few.
2022 - Lionel Richie is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2022, Lionel Richie was announced as one of the nominees for the next Rock and Roll Hall of Fame intake. In May he was announced as one of the inductees, which he said was: 'An incredible honor'. The induction ceremony will take place on 5th November in Los Angeles.
Now read:
Lionel Richie: From his days in The Commodores to his solo success