An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Lionel Richie – A two-hour televised entertainment event with performances by Akon, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Katharine McPhee, Jesse McCartney, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, Brian McKnight, James Ingram, Johnny Gill and Boney James with appearances by Will.i.am, Ne-Yo, Nicole Richie, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Terrence Howard, Regina King, Shemar Moore, Shaun Robinson, Romeo and Cedric the Entertainer.
This year’s roster of performers included nine-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole, Akon, Jesse McCartney, Grammy-Award winner, Chrisette Michele, Boney James, Katharine McPhee, Ledisi, Johnny Gill, James Ingram, Brian McKnight, Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell and 25 –time Grammy Award winner Stevie Wonder.
A parade of celebrities joined UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax and performers in celebrating Richie. Presenters included Tom Joyner, Shemar Moore, Terrence Howard, Romeo, Cedric The Entertainer, Justin Chambers, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Gina Ravera, Tracie Thoms, Regina King, Lauren Vélez, Paige Hurd, Terri Crews, Suzanne de Passe, Merri Dee, Extra’s AJ Calloway and Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson.
“It is such an honor to receive this award from UNCF,” said Lionel Richie. “I am a product of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and that experience has had a tremendous influence on my life. I understand the importance of a college education and the impact it can have on our children and our nation. I am honored to join stars like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle who have received UNCF’s Award of Excellence and who support UNCF and its students.”
Special thanks to Toni Thompson & her entire staff for giving us great access to the show.
Images provided by Dennis Byron & Wireimage.
We also want to thank our sponsor Lockout Records as well.
Lionel Richie & family
Akon
Terrence Howard
Tom & Donna Joyner
Regina King
Maff Test
Chrisette Michele
Terry & Rebecca Crews
Johnny Gill
