Congratulations to the legendary Lionel Richie. It has been announced that will be receiving the Icon Award at this year’s 2022 American Music Awards.
Richie, who hosted the show in 1984 and 1985 will look over his achievements throughout his career. He will also make history by being the only artist to be featured on the award show stage since being created in 1974.
The singer won his first two AMAs as a member of the Commodores and then received more when he became a solo artist. He also is the only artist to have the most wins for six of his music videos.
In a statement, Richie explained his excitement about being this year’s Icon recipient. “I’m immensely grateful for a career that has taken me to places I never imagined that I’d go, from arena worldwide to studio sets to the AMA stage.” He continued, “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.”
Jesse Collins, the executive producer, and showrunner also talked about Richie receiving this award in a statement, “Lionel Richie has had a profound impact on countless people around the world and on the music industry as a whole. From the millions of dollars raised due to ‘We Are the World’ to the global influence his unique sound still has today, Richie is the definition of a living legend, and honoring him with the AMAs Icon Award is a no-brainer.”
Lionel Richie was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Eminem, Harry Belafonte, and more.
The American Music Awards will air live on Sunday, November 20th at 8 pm on ABC.