Stevie Wonder And Charlie Puth Tribute Lionel Richie At 2022 American Music Awards

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In honor of Lionel Richie’s musical legacy, the 2022 American Music Awards enlisted the musical skills of Stevie Wonder, Charlie Puth, Ari Lennox, Muni Long, and more. The artists took the stage after Richie accepted the 2022 Icon Award from Smokie Robinson.

Wonder and Puth began the performance with two separate pianos sitting across from each other. The two musicians went back and forth with melodic banter, playing and singing snippets of some of Lionel Richie’s greatest works.

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Stevie Wonder Performing 2022 American Music Awards
Stevie Wonder performs onstage during the 2022 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

“This is a great night because we’re here to honor a great man,” Wonder began. “Both myself and Charlie know without question, he’s written so many great songs.”

“Are you suggesting a Lionel Richie music copyright battle,” responded Puth.

Lionel Richie Tribute 2022 American Music Awards

To kick off the tribute, Stevie Wonder lent his signature, soulful vocals as he sang Richie and the Commodores’ 1978 single, “Three Times a Lady.” Puth responded with a smooth rendition of “Easy.” The two artists also sang snippets of “Brick House” and “All Night Long.”

After a couple of rounds of their celebratory combat on the keys, Wonder and Puth were joined onstage by Ari Lennox, Muni Long, Yola, Jimmie Allen, Melissa Etheridge, Smokie Norful, and Dustin Lynch to sing his 1985, USA for Africa song, “We Are The World.”

Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, and Lionel Richie on stage
Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and Smokey Robinson perform onstage during the 2022 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

As the collective performed the peace-inspiring song, Richie joined them on stage to show gratitude to Stevie Wonder, Charlie Puth, and others for their harmonic homage.

Watch some clips of the 2022 American Music Awards tribute performance to the icon Lionel Richie below.

@amas

@Stevie Wonder and @Charlie Puth perform a tribute honoring @Lionel Richie. Watch LIVE on ABC!

♬ original sound – AMAs
@amas

“We Are The World” at the 2022 AMAs. Watch LIVE on ABC!

♬ original sound – AMAs

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