logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Lionel Richie Pays Tribute to Late Kenny Rogers with a Touching Performance at the 2021 Grammys

Olowokandi Fiyin
By Olowokandi Fiyin
Mar 15, 2021
06:50 P.M.

Lionel Richie's performance at the 63rd Grammy Award event was quite emotional as he dedicated his rendition to his late pal and fellow music icon, Kenny Rogers.

Advertisement

Music legend Lionel Richie was quite emotional in his new Instagram post showing images from his performance at the just-concluded 63rd Grammy Awards ceremony.

The pictures showed Richie's moments with late music star Kenny Rogers with whom he had a great relationship. The first image was taken when he mounted the Grammys stage to perform.

Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie performed at Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert presented by ACM held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 2, 2012. | Photo: Getty Images

Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie performed at Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert presented by ACM held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 2, 2012. | Photo: Getty Images

The award-winning ballad singer rocked an all-black outfit that included a trench coat, matching pants, and shiny black shoes. While he sang, an image of him and Rogers popped up on the projector.

Advertisement

Richie,71, sang Roger's song, "Lady," dedicating it to his fond memories with the musician. The next photo was an old-time image of the young Richie and Rogers going over a music project.

Advertisement

In the last slide, the pair was on stage at an older time, sharing big smiles and holding each other heartily. The "All Night Long" crooner wrote in his caption:

"When I wrote 'Lady' for @_Kennyrogers, little did I know it would be the start of a friendship. That would last a lifetime.."

Advertisement

Richie continued his post, revealing that it was tough for him to sing the hit song at the Grammys while Rogers was absent. Many fans felt the impact of his words as they shared comforting words in the comment section.

Earlier this month, Richie made headlines after an episode of "American idols."

Advertisement

The 71-year-old's tribute was one of many touching dedications that several stars made in honor of late celebrities. Richie chose "Lady" because he wrote and produced the hit single for Rogers in 1980.

Other A-listers who joined in the Memoriam included Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Brandi Carlile, among others. The Grammys' host, Trevor Noah, announced that the list of late music stars would be updated on the award show's website.

Betty Wright performed on stage at the 12th Annual Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival - Day 1 at Hard Rock Stadium on March 18, 2017. | Photo: Getty Images

Betty Wright performed on stage at the 12th Annual Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival - Day 1 at Hard Rock Stadium on March 18, 2017. | Photo: Getty Images

Some of the late stars who were honored included Betty Wright, Little Richard, Pop Smoke, K.T Oslin, Bunny Wailer, Chick Corea, David Darling, Jamie O'Hara, Jon Mark, and Eddie Van Halen, among others.

Advertisement

Earlier this month, Richie made headlines after an episode of "American idols," where he was emotional after a performance. The "Hell" crooner was moved to tears after a teen contestant blew his mind.

The contestant, Ronda Felton, made it known that she was on the reality show to succeed, having been homeless for a long time with her mom. The youngster made a powerful rendition of Dreamgirls' "One Night Only."

While Richie gave her a "Yes," he emphatically noted that she did what no other contestant did; move him to tears. Katy Perry and Luke Bryan also gave her "Yes-es."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts
Glen Hansard | Source: Getty Images

Glen Hansard, Oscar-Winning Irish Musician, Dead at 56 Following Incident That Has Left Colleagues Heartbroken

July 30, 2026

Kanye West and Bianca Censori | Source: Getty Images

Kanye West's Wife Bianca Censori Catches Eyes in a Daring Cat Mask Ensemble on Date Night — Photos

June 16, 2026

Valerie Bertinelli | Source: Getty Images

Valerie Bertinelli, 66, Stumbles Upon Her Own 1979 Lingerie Negatives While Decluttering — Photo

August 08, 2026

L-R Skyblu, Redfoo, and Lauren Bennett | Source: Getty Images

Lauren Bennett of 'Party Rock Anthem' Fame Passed Away — Her Partner Has Not Spoken Since

July 07, 2026

Jay-Z and Beyoncé | Source: Getty Images

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Private Conversation at the World Cup Final Goes Viral — and a Lip Reader Caught Every Word

July 20, 2026

Dolly Parton | Source: Getty Images

Dolly Parton Loses a Close Family Member as Sister Stella Shares a Heartfelt Statement

July 27, 2026

Fred Marsh and Hailey Lummus | Source: GoFundMe

Officer Fred Marsh, 24, Asked the Love of His Life a Life-Changing Question Hours Before His Fate Was Sealed on the Elk River

July 23, 2026

Peabo Bryson | Source: Getty Images

Peabo Bryson's Family Story Reveals Never-Before-Seen Details — Photos

June 03, 2026

Oliver Tree | Source: Getty Images

Oliver Tree's Resurfaced Record Label Video Sparks Debate as Fans Point to One Detail They Can't Ignore

June 15, 2026

Janet Jackson | Source: Getty Images

Janet Jackson, 60, Arrives at the 2026 BET Awards in a '90s-Inspired Outfit That Left Fans with Questions — Photos

June 29, 2026

Katy Perry | Source: Getty Images

Katy Perry Makes Her Isle of MTV Malta Debut in an Outfit That's Sparking Conversation Online — Photos

July 24, 2026