Lionel Richie on Making We Are the World, Katy Perry Leaving Idol & Jimmy Scares Lionel With a Snake

Lionel talks about what he did on Valentine’s Day, the type of music that gets him in the mood, his documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop” about recording We are the World, all of the incredible artists involved, why Madonna wasn’t on the track, visiting his childhood home in Tuskegee, AL for the new season of American Idol on ABC, the Commodores hosting “Miss Brickhouse” contests, Katy Perry leaving American Idol, and Jimmy scares Lionel with a fake snake.
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Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy®-nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC’s late-night talk show. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is well known for its huge viral video successes, with over 15 billion views and more than 18 million subscribers on the show’s KZbin channel. Some of Kimmel’s most popular comedy bits include “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” “Unnecessary Censorship,” “Halloween Candy KZbin Challenge,” and music videos like “I (Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum.”

[@waxandwayne]

I grew up on the Commodores and Lionel's music. This man is an iconic American for sure. All Night Long.... Easy Like Sunday Morning.... Say Yes

[@cheri7054]

Lionel seems so grateful this all came together. He's a proud father of this song and what it achieved

[@dreamwarrior_7833]

Proof that there was some sort of magic that existed in the 80s. There is no way they could get all of those superstars together today. There aren't even enough current musicians on that level in existence today.

[@nicedoppy2077]

yeaaah!!!

[@massey4business]

Wow! Lionel looks great for 74!

[@tomaspita7244]

sounds like wtf though. Tina?

[@nancy9891]

Botox, and plastic surgery does wonders. Lionel is certainly not overdone.

[@JaseBDaley]

his face is only 4 years old, he tricked you lol

[@HH-gv8mx]

His face is younger than his neck!

[@RyanWehr]

All spare parts

[@ginac2772]

The documentary is really good! So fun to see and hear all of those incredible artists!

[@arminwilde5022]

it was trash

[@thegrimes5477]

​@@arminwilde5022Dustbin that way.

[@terrellgrant1570]

It was indeed a great documentary

[@ChickPeaChannel]

Loved the documentary. And what a great time in music.

[@beatrizgomezart]

Amazing documentary! Please watch! ❤❤

[@robinbatac2085]

Cyndi just nailed perfectly her line…never made a mistake you consider her in line-up over madonna.

[@76damage]

So glad Cyndi did it. Her line is iconic ❤

[@Leslie42363]

Agreed. Cyndi brought that song home. No one could have done it like she did.

[@jansoncarneiro8897]

CYNDI QUEEN WORLD

[@WendyDahling3]

She’s incredible!!!

[@jad8123]

I always thought the best part was the Huey, Cyndi and Kim verse. I’m 59 and remember this being done at the time. I think the theme was Leave Your Ego At The Door. Then the video came out and everyone was simply stunned. It was a special moment in time. The 80’s were the best.

[@Tricky5496]

If you haven't seen this Documentary you must watch it ! Its amazing !

[@IMGreg..]

The man is 74 years old and he moves better and looks better than most men 20 years his junior.

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Him and Samuel Jackson, love it!

[@loveforeignaccents]

I wouldn't go that far. LOL.

[@steveprudell9976]

Absolutely 💯 forgive 🙏 🙌 ❤️ 👏 definitely not a helpful tool going under scalpel..thanks

[@thegodpotato132]

@@MarkoVukovic0bro can never just compliment one man. Shut up.

[@DemonKingNemo]

I'm 29 and limp due to my arthritis

[@sreace723]

I remember the World Premiere of We Are The World. I was 10. It was such an AMAZING time for music. I was a HUGE fan of the song. As soon as the documentary dropped on Netflix; I was watching. There were times I had a huge smile on my face and tears running down my cheeks. Lionel is an ICON!

[@renatilio]

There is a more complete documental on KZbin. It's great too.

[@JonnoPlays]

Lionel is such a legend and I will love him forever. He's so humble and funny and truthful. What a gem 💎

[@estevangonzalez9212]

That documentary was so good. We Are the World was way before my time but I found it in my youth and listened to it on repeat for years. Great message and story

[@Ernie1978]

Cyndi Lauper's bridge is my favourite bit on "We Are the World."

[@BenjiDarius]

Sounding like a goddamn siren wa Wa WA WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@NytronX]

World's first vocal wah wah pedal. The take of hers that made the album wasn't even the best take, she nailed one of the takes in the outtake but Huey and the other woman were out of tune.

[@arabest524]

I do too! Lol!

[@kayyy5]

I had the original 80s documentary taped on VHS and watched it obsessively back then. I would rewind the Cyndi Lauper part over and over wearing beads and pretending I was her! Lol

[@JoeNarbaiz]

​@@NytronXThe other woman was Kim Carnes.

[@dominiquehouleemc1044]

Just watched it... brought back so many memories and emotions, I couldn't stop sobbing ! What an extraordinary moment in everyone's life. Lionel you nailed it big time!

[@Purple1984Rain]

Love Lionel such an incredible body of work with The Commodores and his solo stuff. Sail On, Easy, Lady You Bring Me Up and Running With the Night are some of my personal favourites. Also loved Lady the big hit he wrote/produced for the late great Kenny Rogers.

[@andercoyote4170]

Oh Easy is one of the greatest songs ever . Sound of the 70s!!! That song still melts me in bliss ❤

[@holdensmokin]

I went to see Madonna's Celebration concert last night in Seattle. She's amazing! Best concert ever . ❤❤❤

[@jop7672]

Lionel, the soul of America. I was young and changed forever by your work in We are the world!

[@ptv.s.squirrel6659]

Hands down the best documentary; understanding and shown how this iconic song came to be renewed the song!

[@roselynnsalamone280]

In my opinion Lionel Richie is my favorite artist Thank you for being so true, your a national treasure .❤

[@HH-gv8mx]

Was Lionel Richie ever married to Nicole Richie‘s mother?

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@HH-gv8mxNo, I believe Nicole was adopted.

[@HH-gv8mx]

@@elizabethmcleod246 oh wow I never knew that. Is her sister Sophia adopted as well?

[@TalkingBook72]

No, only Nicole is adopted

[@denniszenanywhere]

Lionel and Quincy were perfect as the anchors of that recording -- they made every ego in that room perform for a cause. He may not be Michael but I like his level-headedness.

[@itriedtoeatmyphone7619]

This was such a fun interaction. Love how genuine he is.

[@lc.c6835]

Well, I am so glad I stuck around and finished this interview. I`m a fan of Kimmel! Lionel Richie is a genius. I didn`t know it then, but this guy is a master of his craft(s). Bravo, Lionel Richie.

[@WendyDahling3]

I graduated in 1985 too! I loved the documentary! It was a great walk down memory lane.

[@Noeau]

Next to Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie has gotta be the greatest R and B, Pop artist there is. So many hits, solo and with the Commodores. Great interview! He’s is so funny and witty.

[@roxannestapleton-whyms6925]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. The banter, jokes, fun, chemistry, stories, you name it Lionel and Jimmy delivered mucho, mucho, biggo!!!

[@luizportes]

Just learned a new word", banter"!.And it is a good one!.😊

[@roxannestapleton-whyms6925]

You're welcome.

[@pattykeough]

Cyni Lauper is never a mistake. They owe her, one of the most amazing artists with one of the most amazing voices in the business, an apology.

[@GHOSTbirdnatureLOVER]

lauper supremacist here

[@chriskay1449]

You need to listen again. He didn't say Cyndi was a mistake. He said not having BOTH Cyndi and Madonna was a mistake.

[@jerrylaw788]

Lionel Richie never said it was a mistake to have Cyndi Lauper on the We Are The World song because Lionel Richie wanted Cyndi Lauper on the We Are The World song and Lionel Richie only said it was a mistake not to have Madonna on the We Are The World song too with all of the other singers on the We Are The World song

[@mikedavis8008]

Remember when the bird pooped in her mouth?

[@olisambanefo7563]

​@@chriskay1449Thank you. Read-Understand-Comment...in that order

[@CharlotteLombard-uk4gi]

Lionel Richie a real gentleman 1 of the most wonderful men on the planet he just so much for people he doesn't even let people know how great he is he's not just a singer he's a great humanitarian a wonderful father and just a tribute to the world

[@MaryM-pp9xu]

We need another concert/event that will help get people together and learn to love each other.

[@andercoyote4170]

Agree!!

[@meeshellrene]

I’m a big Cindy Lauper fan so glad they chose her 🎉she nailed it 🙌🏻🌹

[@DinoBambang]

Lionel Richie never gets old, I see him still the same when I saw him when I was a kid in 80's in his video clips

[@caperbye474]

This man is a legend. I'm a old metal head n punker but always loved all music. I always love Lionel, he just has the gift to reach into you with his music. Amazing artist. And American Idol should get great Steve Perry to be a Judge with Lionel and or Diana Ross

[@westlifefan8480]

Love the snake 🐍 So funny 🤣 9:14

[@Yourmission9]

Lionel has always seemed like an absolute sweetheart, what a legend

[@asteverino8569]

Thank you Lionel for all your contributions to American music for so many years.

[@victor_iosi]

Such a great guy…and a sharp mind! 💪

[@GreatGownsBeautifulGowns2018]

Loved the documentary and I love Lionel. Him and Jimmy together have the best chemistry.

[@joannaherodotou1491]

Lionel Richie is an icon, one of the greatest music artists of all time.

[@chicoulino]

Smart closing with the Madonna line Jimmy. Touche!!

[@jocelynastheart2732]

we are the world never EVER get's old! it is such a iconic legendary song ever recorded!

[@PelvisPresley420]

I love every Lionel Richie Song he's ever made/sang

[@MsKylea]

That doc was SOO GOOD! Watching Michael Jackson create was a beautful thing. I was 6 years old when the song came out so it was great seeing how We are the World came together. **I dont watch AI, but Madonna would be an interesting judge!

[@donnietaveras1990]

Mans is a delight. Love this interview and Lionel’s body of work.

[@andercoyote4170]

Lionel Richie is so funny . What a gentleman. Thank you for the music Lionel!! ✨

[@victormaitlin9636]

Thank you Lionel for putting together "We Are The World".

[@NellieGCabo]

Lionel Richie is very Humorous and Amazing, one of the Reasons he Stays Young. He's a Funny individual. I love this part.

[@hermangouw]

Love Lionel Richie since I first listened to "Easy" and "Three Times A Lady" in 1977. Without Lionel Richie (and Quincy Jones) there would never be "We Are The World".

[@rorygay3529]

Talk about an icon.

[@allisonpalmer7354]

Lionel Richie is a brilliantly creative, hard-working man -- who I'm proud to write is from Tuskegee AL. Such a professional, talented, & caring soul. I so admire him.

[@gardy4390]

Love this man .He is a very special man, we are very lucky to have him .Fantastic ❤️ 😀 💙

[@EntretenimientoConPerspectiva]

❤love that documentary seee it Now❤

[@mb-vf3qb]

Seen Lionel in concert many times. Legend. ❤

[@ernestabrogar4658]

Seeing Lionel Richie get this comeback of exposure and opportunity is so gratifying and cool. Like Mark Hamill, just an amazing artist who's a decent, down-to-earth person who wears his past success and notoriety extraordinarily well.

[@user-rp6ic8of5w]

What a talent!, What a class act! This gentleman is simply great!!!

[@rickwhyers6836]

Lionel and Billy Joel are always my go to music

[@angrosvenor2967]

Lionel Richie is such a cool guy, absolutely love him

[@PatiBAdministradora]

without autotune he WINSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@sugarsgetaway]

Just love Lionel Richie great voice and still looks good

[@noreenconstantine4612]

I used to sing along loudly while playing his music

[@joseegonzalez4894]

What a fun guy is Lionel! This one is probably my favorite interview that Jimmy had done with a celebrity! I really enjoyed it!!!👏👏👏👏👏

[@sharonmorris6668]

Lionel is a class act and always brings so much energy, joy and interesting information to an interview.

[@patriciavaughan1390]

Omg! I am 61 years and remember that ouch!!!

[@barbaraolson6783]

Thank goodness you both made us aware of this beautiful movie !

[@lilytafolla9841]

Love Lionel..grew up listening to all his music. Brick House was best dance song at the time! ❤🎶

[@beckym5730]

Amazing talented Man. Your voice always makes my heart smile. Thank you

[@ljc_ca]

Aww... I just love Lionel Richie. He is so adorable and very funny! 😊😄I could listen to him telling stories all day.

[@merlikamitchel2557]

Luv u Lionel,so humble and love yr music all the way.

[@jeffdon4]

We are the world. Wonderful memories

[@lesliehughes1030]

All around great interview. Such great stories.

[@cece9145]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview!! ❤️

[@UnionJack26]

"Zoom" is still my favorite song of all time!!!

[@jaynewalter6112]

Yes he does I love him and his music penny lover and all his music 3:49

[@norsetech9416]

Lionel Richie is GOLD!! One of the greatest in music history.

[@cheri7054]

Loved Ray Charles part. He gave it the soul it needed

[@jamiecarter9357]

The song is amazing. Played world wide when I was in the 8th grade. Been listening to it for the past day after watching the Netflix documentary. Also discovered the remakes for Haiti. The Spanish or Portuguese (not sure) version is frigging amazing. I don't understand a word, but the sound is beautiful! Got to check it out!!!

[@Teamo86]

One of the top tier documentaries on Netflix.

[@MargaretB-im7ts]

This is amazing to hear about so many famous and wonderful music artists!!! Thank you!!!

[@sharigraves6385]

Not only so talented but a heart of gold ❤

[@missoctober8859]

I still remember my parents taking me to Target to get the We Are the World single. I was like around 7 years old. Good memory.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Legendary

[@gwendamclean5305]

I watched the documentary, and I loved every minute of it 👍

[@PrettybuoyJones1992]

A living legend ❤❤

[@JonSmith-xt1cb]

Honestly, nothing disparaging about current artists, but I'm 49, grew up with penny lover, all night long, hello, etc.. and he's the real deal; along with u2, rem, inxs, prince, others, true artists ❤

[@ginasousabranco5637]

Madonna wasn't invited cause they thought her career wouldn''t last compared to Cindy Lauper & the media backlash to Madonna. Even La Toya Jackson and Sheila E. ended up in the video somehow. Quincy Jones thought Madonna was an absolute flash in the pan at the time, but admitted that her “career outlasted almost anyone’s in the room.” They were quickly proven completely wrong.

[@DZJ0595]

3 or 4 of the Jackson siblings were in the video so I think that was Michael being like ‘if yall are free, come through’ and no one was gonna say no to MJ 😅

[@Heineke387]

gotta love these guys

[@joannejohnson7006]

The documentary sounds good Love seeing one of my idols ❤ greet show

[@susanlwebb5535]

It was sooo great to see Lionel, enjoy himself and looking forward to the future American Idle. The conversation had humour and mutual respect! And they had fun together!!!’

[@mariandeboer8853]

You are so wise in what you say about how to be in the jury. And I will really miss Katy in the show but her life as an artist and make her own stories is so true. She deserves that so much. You are yourself so positive in what you say. Thank you.

[@doloresm7396]

Lionel Richie, my crush when I was in my twenties. I watched the making of the song and man Huey Lewis and Darryl Hall were having a really difficult time singing. Ugh! Cindi Lauper was between Huey Lewis & I think Darryl Hall (poor girl) as he struggled to hit the notes. Watching Steve Perry's face was gold. There were a few performers that I question how they got where they got in life. After about 4 maybe 5 takes it was acceptable.

[@waterjack3]

I loved this so much, I've watched the documentary 3 times

[@cheri7054]

It seemed like from the Documentary that many musicians were nervous so many big names to fill in the shoes of one another. They all looked super tired but they pulled it off. It was a movement

[@tinas_hotdog_sophie]

Love that one of the world's best singers agrees with me, music is best without lyrics! :D

[@nicolelawrence7722]

If I was Lionel, I'd probably still be screaming about Michael Jackson's snake. I commend him for even finishing that song.

[@Fox_is_Fox]

He's a real inspiration for musicians, how to stay classy through the years🙂

[@franknemeth7430]

The Commodores were great .

[@bruinman1012]

Lionel Ritchie was just as big of a star as MJ, Prince and Stevie Wonder inn1985 yet he was the most humble and down to earth of the four. I’m shocked that he never became a producer on the same level as Quincy Jones.

[@bigislandoutdoorlife1489]

Great job making the list

[@Bluesbabesrv]

Between Lionel and Huey!!! ❤🎶💯

[@alejolopera]

Lionel is world class but Kimmel is a Great late night show host

[@momonridgetop]

It’s was a very cool documentary, just watched it last night!! Kids these days don’t even know this song.

[@susangreene9662]

After watching this, I went to the video. I never use the word "awesome"; kids use it all the time. But this came close to the true meaning!