I Am...I Said (Neil Diamond Tribute) - Lionel Richie - 2011 Kennedy Center Honors

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[@ghost3677]

Holy smokes... Lionel really does this song justice.

[@bwshihtzu]

Give a listen to Nick Fradiani's live acoustic cover....It's even better than Lionel Ritchie's imo

[@lisacolbert5987]

He sure does ! I know he’s super talented but I’ve never been a big fan. Not an anti-fan , just not a follower. (My mom loved him !) Even so , he really does it justice. Of course he’s a consummate professional in the music biz but it’s still super impressive that ND is right in front of him ! , and Neil doesn’t seem to be one bit nervous about it .

[@marthalisk303]

Lionel just oozes with class and singing talent. A legend in himself and just a great human being. Need more like him.

[@jamesdavison2927]

Very well said!!!! 100 percent agree

[@marthalisk303]

@Lionel Richie I'll never stop listening! You are a timeless treasure!

[@gooiricky6906]

0 9 9

[@francinerappe9257]

​@scottwilliams17090😊😅’ k

[@tracygreen3952]

You got that right ge was class both solo and with the Commadors

[@patrickjenkins6383]

Lionel Richie's voice, Neil Diamond's expressions, & Meryl Streep's reaction to both transformed a brief musical tribute into an immensely moving moment. 💙🗿

[@Cyberlucy]

It was also cool to see Yo-Yo Ma and Barbara Cook both react positively to the performance.

[@fredbiden868]

Meryl Streep's reaction sucks....she is a nothing when it comes to Neil...

[@MearasRex]

Meryl Streep looks absolutely fascinated. ❤ The look she gives these men? Lovely.

[@lifehacks1019]

Lionel Richie was the best choice for that song ❤

[@carolmanning1333]

Except Richie didn't know the lyrics. Right in front of Neil, on his special tribute award program.

[@LeeSmith-lj1ih]

Everything about this is perfect. Lionel’s version, Neil’s admiration, Meryl’s look.

[@lisacolbert5987]

All true ! I love LR’s phrasing on this song.

[@loindafl]

If you can get Lionel Richie to sing one of your songs you’re a success!

[@carolmanning1333]

I would never let Lionel Richie screw up the lyrics to a song I wrote. He is an arrogant SOB.

[@change_is_good4559]

this version is a crime....... for only being 2.26 long. truly magnificent!

[@canaldetaubate]

❤

[@SigFigNewton]

This version is a crime because of the ‘rents are low” lyric. Makes sense in the original 1971 context of comparing LA rents to NY rents where Diamond is from. But if the reference point is now modern Alabama, referring to modern LA as having low rent is very divorced from reality. Makes me so mad I rewatched 4 times😉

[@pbc76]

​@SigFigNewton it's a lyric, written years ago. Not to be compared to present times. Mr. Richie's version was magnificently performed, and therein lies the wonderfulness of the songs longevity. Kudos Mr. Diamond. Hopefully his play, currently running on Broadway, will prove that statement correct, even with the rents AND prices of the tickets to go see the play/musical.❤

[@jerryhearne3437]

i totally agree

[@jaideeprai230]

Amazing Lionel Richie. He is a true blessing on the planet not only as a musician but as a real Human. He is paying tribute to a legend in the true sense. Meryl Streep watching out for Neil’s reactions are priceless moments.

[@calbreckenridge8526]

He could sing the phone book.

[@wambathewisefool2893]

Meryl Streep has a reckoning with Creator God coming. No praises from me to her for sure.

[@larryhamsing4140]

Maybe he is. I must say he did a good job with this song except he didn't sing all the lyrics. Anyone know why?

[@nonrepublicrat]

What is "priceless" about it?? What bullshit ! Lionel Richie is a joke.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@larryhamsing4140 Time limitations for the show.

[@SongmanKK]

First time I've seen Lionel do a cover, and damn, he nails it, and more.

[@sharinmythoughts2510]

Have you seen the tribute to Kenny Rogers. You must see if, if you haven’t ❤

[@annaschneider6641]

@@sharinmythoughts2510 : where? Get the link for us, please.

[@randallgreen6746]

Only Lionel Richie could sing this song so well.

[@bettiemccall9671]

I love Lionel Richie’s version of this song!! He has an amazing voice!!!

[@kevinkidder6548]

Go Lionel always love those sounds

[@magdablanchaert]

2 great singers 👌i like both singers ❤

[@maryjanegraham8656]

That’s what makes him great

[@larryhamsing4140]

He didn't sing the entire song!

[@rattlesnake3113]

Lionel does better than Neil.

[@ronavanderwalt3134]

Lionel Richie is the perfect voice for this song ❤️

[@loringjohnson7797]

Lionel Richie & Neil Diamond. So glad some of our legends are still with us.

[@mickiekelly1958]

Neil Diamond is one of my favorite artists. His voice and style are so distinctive that not many can successfully take on one of his hits. But, Lionel Ritchie can do anything and make it look easy. Beautiful tribute!

[@lebe220]

Yes, I´m surprised he does such a good job. But if Otis Redding were still alive, he would sing every song like noone ever before. And he would have written the most wonderful songs. It´s such a pity he left at such a young age.

[@carolmanning1333]

Lionel blew it and successfully called attention to himself on Neil Diamond's special night. Poor choice of someone to honor another singer.

[@strop5931]

💯 !!!

[@DoahnKea_Tuber]

Well said; thank you!

[@luigi98075]

Q 💓 un

[@ihaveanewattitude]

I just had to keep listening to this over and over. Lionel Richie's voice is a true treasure. The man can sing anything and make it his own. It's like you have never heard it before.

[@carolmanning1333]

This was not his to make his own. Oh what a feeling, the chips are dancing on the ceiling

[@jerryoshea3116]

It's a Brilliant song&Lionel Richie was most certainly the man for the Job..Neil Diamond was very impressed..

[@carolmanning1333]

New York City born and raised, New York's home but it ain't mine no more. Get it right or don't sing it.

[@nmc2049]

Me too ! I cant find the whole song sang by Lionel :-(

[@nmc2049]

​@@carolmanning1333 sing true or don't sing

[@cindycallis5487]

Theses men are treasure’s is their own right. Whom ever choose Richie made fabulous choice. Lionel voice did justice to the song. But Neil reaction was the bested than the ovation the song got.

[@angelaharris6577]

I love how Neil leans forward and you can see he is listening intently and obviously is extremely happy with Lionels tribute. Beautiful song and two of my favourite singers.

[@hassanfadili2915]

its perfecte

[@SigFigNewton]

You shoulda seen my reaction to Meryl Streep’s reaction to Neil Diamond’s reaction to Lionel Richie. It got quite a reaction outa my cat.

[@carolmanning1333]

Neil Diamond is leaning forward because Lionel Richie is singing the wrong lyrics. What a slap in the face to grandstand someone else's lyrics on their tribute ceremony. Lionel wouldn't like someone changing his lyrics to Dancing in the Driveway or Sadie, I'm your knight in rusty armour. Get it?

[@SigFigNewton]

@@carolmanning1333 you kidding?

[@carolmanning1333]

@@SigFigNewton I'm Trudy, Trudy in love with you. Oh what a feeling when you're peeing in the backyard. You have made me what I am, and I am bored. Lionel has great lyrics. Neil should do his tribute. I could help..

[@terifarmer5066]

Breathtaking, Lionel did this song justice, indeed, 2024

[@Jupe367]

To have Lionel Richie sing your song is an honor.

[@sylviasimpson3280]

No the honour is for Lionel Richie to sing from Neil Diamond my utmost Legend of ALL TIME but was well done.

[@ferryfabulous7250]

Wow that is all I can say!

[@carolmanning1333]

Not if he doesn't know the lyrics

[@annward4149]

I love hearing Lionel Richie sing. His voice how he carries his words is just awesome

[@NellieKAdaba]

👍🏾

[@vickyhyde8173]

He's got amazing voice 👌😍💕💜

[@magdablanchaert]

I lisen to Lionel Richie every day he´s realy a very good singer .

[@veritasetlibertas7889]

He is perfect! A great combination of diction and feeling!!!

[@deehello5743]

Wow...just wow!! He tore that song up!!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@jerryoshea3116]

This is a really good rendition by Lionel Richie,he added his own touch,while maintaining it's original quality.. Excellent performance!

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Loved how Lionel added his own personality to this, while still managing to keep it so Neil

[@manuelhiguerasnavas128]

Es preciosa

[@adareed1803]

Thank you Lionel Ritchie. I love your version of Neil Diamond's song. 👏👏👏

[@ericsmith1786]

Yes. This is my favorite version what a unique voice. How are the Ada ?

[@suddenlysim]

This is one of the most beautiful tributes there ever. Time for Lionel Richie to get his own.

[@bettyachieng726]

Suddenlysim S Please visit www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/honors/ and nominate Lionel Richie. I just did! He deserves it.....

[@cedenson1ify]

This year. December 2017!

[@yaniinoaofelia6390]

IS.OK

[@denise0707]

@@bettyachieng726 thank you 👏🏼👏🏼

[@maryjanegraham8656]

Yes he has well deserved one

[@rsitch1]

So many wonderful tears and laughter, thank you Neil and thank you to one who gave us ,”Lady”. Being born in 1949 I have been so fortunate to hear Neil Diamonds thoughts to be sung by Lionel Richie . May you both live long and prosper to teach our new ones…. Bob

[@merrylmarsh9037]

What a tribute!! Neil was obviously impressed and touched at Lionel 's cover. Wow, I was.!!!!!!

[@jorgeignacio8814]

What a storyteller voice.. thank you sir Lionel for a beautiful rendition of yours.

[@salvatorescialpi1065]

❤

[@susanmclee5209]

Neil Diamond, a class act! I had the honor of seeing, hearing, and feeling a "LIVE" performance of his. A few years later I had the privilege of seeing, hearing, and feeling yet another, "Class Act" with Lionel Richie. 😎✌

[@RobertWilliams-xo2to]

Bojangles

[@jamesemerson1614]

Hi Susan

[@anelladambrosio2513]

​@scottwilliams1709ciao Scott! 🙋‍♀️😍😘💘🌅

[@Altenholz]

That must have been a memorable evening!

[@snookyd8917]

Neil seems happy to hear Lionel’s version. Of all Neil’s songs, this is my favorite. 💜💜💜

[@michaelbruno4608]

Snooky D hello 👋 How are you doing

[@ericsmith1786]

I love listening to Lionel's version. How are you Spooky ?

[@christopheroliver739]

Beautiful rendition of Neil's classic song! Hearing Lionel sing is really a blessing.

[@boydownunder007]

I love these Tribute shows so that famous singers and musicians can be Honoured. Lionel did an excellent performance for Neil Diamond well done Mr Richie!

[@claudetteearle3052]

Big ditto to that!

[@wesj1989]

Some artists making it seem effortless. Lionel Ritchie is one of those.

[@champagne2413]

totally agree

[@alfredbrown7608]

Fantastic just fantastic

[@sayjen123]

Its a tough song to sing in the sense it begins at rock bottom and then go any high

[@denieneclarke1445]

I totally agree

[@martin26011]

A wonderful rendition.

[@robertovera2372]

Caution!!! don´t let Lionel take your song because he gets to two or three higher levels. Long life to Lionel.

[@eddiedskim]

This song was so brilliantly reinterpreted! Like many people have already said, I am so curious as to how Lionel would have approached the second verse and the chorus. This song is so profound and deep that there is something so existential about it. What a brilliant poet and musician!!

[@commentwell3870]

He left just enough for you to be wanting more and left you exactly where he wanted us to be about pondering those questions about the 2nd verse...

[@lifehacks1019]

Well said! Now this is top artistry and only legends like Lionel can pull it off effortlessly. Lionel's interpretation and nuanced expressions animates the song into a living and moving vessel of timelessness message that was penned decades ago by Neil. Super performance ❤. NB: This kind of agile artistry can also be found in "Dr Feel-good" by Fantasia where she struts among the audience. Next also is that medley tribute by Aretha Franklin and Theo Peoples for Levi Stubbs/The Four Tops. Brilliant!!

[@carolmanning1333]

@@lifehacks1019 Only Richie can screw up this beautiful song

[@pwhit59]

These two have the upmost respect between them. Legends

[@zachbangkok]

Ritchie’s rendition of this song makes me teary and more than makes up for all his own songs combined.

[@HashimRidwan]

June'24 at 61still enjoying this song ❤ from Singapore

[@stephaniecannon410]

Aww❤❤"I am...I said." 🍓

[@twoducks]

Imagine hearing the lyrics you wrote performed by a consumate performer absolute bliss,Thank you Neil and Lionel

[@mariahelenagabas3078]

twoducks mim

[@gregidrizow2692]

Right

[@carolmanning1333]

Imagine hearing another artist ruining your song. He was a bad choice. Jennifer Nettles sang Neil's song perfectly, no adlibs.

[@OriginalPappy]

One of my favorite ND songs sung by one of my favorite singers. A twofer for me

[@gailzee6481]

everything Lionel sings is great! He is a talent beyond comparison.

[@JefferyConner-po8mj]

Hi Gail💐💐

[@user-bx6sd8vp3b]

Lionel is very dignified, classy and genuine!!

[@wkaibigan]

Amazing performance by Lionel which was so close to how Neil sang it. Just sounded perfect.

[@forrestwheeler916]

That was so beautiful and emotional it put tears in my eye . Thank you both.

[@lindaderry8469]

So prou of Lional Richie a true Alabamian from Tuskegee and proud he's such an icon a great musician and from my home state.

[@carolmanning1333]

This was not the time or place for Lionel Richie to screw up Neil Diamond's signature song. The look on his face said, YOU SOB. Very inconsiderate to sing the wrong lyrics. Get someone who knows the song. Not some grandstanding self absorbed arrogant elite as Lionel Richie.

[@cw6942]

Unbelievable I have no words Lionel Richie you have completed yourself... you are just simply amazing

[@deesticco1719]

Could watch it over and over this tribute from one legend to another legend ! 💖

[@captmatt5650]

If people would ever see the love and respect artist have for one another like this, and treat stranger like this, we would get to that place we could only dream about

[@smerchly]

You said it Capt Matt !! Lionel did a heart warming show with Kenny Rogers . You could see the love and respect they shared ! If music be the food of love , play on ! There are so many black entertainers I've enjoyed over the years and still do ! Why can't we all show each other we are ALL brothers and sisters . It's time to get it together people !

[@poogebanks3813]

What a beautiful rendition… I could listen to Lionel all day 🥰🥰

[@amiegee3134]

It's Lionel, always perfection and flawless.

[@christymallesky8670]

Lionel is the best , I love his singing!

[@voivodeofwallachia7386]

WOW !!!! What an honor !!! Being chosen to sing one of the most famous songs ever recorded as a tribute to Neil Diamond, in the Kennedy Center, to Neil himself. You cannot doubt, by his emotions, that Neil approved of the way Lionel Ritchie performed his timeless classic, "I Am, I Said" !!! Well done Lionel Ritchie, and Thank you Neil Diamond !!!

[@marydaley5905]

Karl Matthews

[@joannmarshall575]

Great job , Neil loved it

[@fooman2108]

I am thinking this is Lionel's next single! Not quite Neil Baritone but it is GREAT!

[@evaokai6073]

A great song by Niel Diamond but I love the way Lionel Richie sang it.

[@brendahall5404]

Lovely tribute ro Neil

[@denisehedden5108]

🦋This song is so beautiful a kind Soul had to have written it. Two of the best people in the music industry Lional Richie and Neil Diamond now show's me a true artist. Then I love to hear Lional Richie unique vocals he's so creative he knows how to capture an audience through his lyrics so powerful and so gently soothing to the heart. God Bless you both for being here for us the fans who love's you both🦋☝️

[@ronniedittemore5904]

Lionel is spectacular as always!! Been listening to him for 35 years.

[@keithb1933]

The legend of Mr Neil Diamond.....and then Lionel Richie....WOW........my skin crawled with goose-bumps…..my heart beat with the bass....my soul vibrated with the vibrato.....brilliant!

[@Gentlegianttoo]

When two stars collide, sparks fly. This is magical and wonderful.

[@williamgillespie9482]

I cannot skip , its exactly word for word my childhood upbringing xxxx xxxxx

[@malcommeful]

One Legend to another, this is priceless.

[@stephenmaslin3007]

Two legends what could be more perfect 😚😚

[@CharlesIrvingHollywoodRealtor]

Now that was a great performance !!!

[@nellymathonsi9906]

Hollywood RealtorRealtor this man can sing God

[@mbasandudane6334]

Well deserved to Niel diamond and also congratulations to lionel richie for singing that song beautifully.

[@ascensiongomez4557]

Lo más bello de mi corazón ❤ Líonel Richie love tú y sólo tú love 💕

[@bellarossie4241]

A legend honoring a legend..Wow!! What a beautiful rendition..what a performance. Well done Lionel Richie..keep watching this 2020.

[@BENjamin3931]

Beautiful this. I love Lionel Richie’s and Neil Diamond’s music. Thank you for this piece.

[@marysmith6328]

Love Lionel Richie singing .what a beautiful voice . What a lovely gentleman .

[@jeanettesimpson6888]

I wished I could have been the lady in his life, some kind of way! Beautiful voice! Handsome Man❤️

[@ashvinoza9826]

A fantastic Tribute to Neil Diamond by a Great Singer, cannot get any better than this. God Bless

[@zuttorizzo]

I love this performance by Lionel Ritchie. I only wish it were the full song length!

[@deesticco1719]

Here I am rewatching ! ❤️

[@BassetGirl]

Lionel Ritchie’s voice is still the same. Totally awesome ❤️❤️❤️

[@masonalbert2213]

Hello beautiful, how are you doing, I hope you are safe over there?

[@prettycountrygirl2]

Wow!! I love how Lionel performed one of my favorite Neil Diamond songs. Loving how Lionel interchanged Alabama and Tuskegee; thus personalizing this lovely song.

[@gmajorspresents]

Nobody interprets this song better than Lionel Richie. He has my vote hands down.

[@carolmanning1333]

This song has nothing to do with Alabama. New York City born and raised. LA's fine but it ain't home. New York's home, but it ain't mine no more. Attention Lionel. No exceptions.

[@janew9722]

You were my youth. I saw you in Chicago several years. A dream came through. Thank you.

[@johncourtney4328]

well Lionel walks on owns the room and walks off pure class

[@blueberry11051]

We love you with all our hearts Neil Diamond! Love from an enthusiastic Elvis fan from Istanbul Turkey!

[@maggiemac5572]

Great job!!! Lionel has such a beautiful voice!

[@masonalbert2213]

Hello friend, how are you doing, I hope you are safe over there?

[@noralynch2308]

Yesssss Lionel Richie Is Quite A Composer And Sincere In His Gifted Speeches-A Amazing Star And Human Being! Thank You Lionel For Your Many Love Songs! They Aren’t Attached To Any Past Boyfriends And Their Hasn’t Been Any In A Long Time-Quit Too Much Nastiness And Not Treated Right! Be Safe And Wear A Mask Please For Your Protection! My Daughter’s Husband Had The Vaccine And Boosters And Still Got The COVID-19-He’s Okay Now What A Blessing For My Gorgeous Daughter! 😀😷❤️💕🙏🌷🌹❤️❤️

[@9921moo]

there is something very special about Neil Diamond and i`m lost for words right now...but the great songs and performances and smiles and happiness/joy that Neil has brought to this music loving world for over 40 plus years... i would say possibly greater than Dylan and Young and any other big name artists....hail to the king....and i say that because Neil Diamond wrote his songs....Elvis sang cover tunes etc etc

[@maryjanegraham8656]

I love to hear and watch Lionel Richie, he has an amazing way of putting his twist to other people’s song but doing a beautiful job. The Great Lionel Richie but he never acts like that. Great job Lionel.

[@Gigi6404]

Love it and Neil also loved it. The more you watch it the more it grows on you. Well done Lionel

[@Nawojczyk]

Gigi6404 so did Meryl Streep. As did YoYo. Brilliant.

[@melissaphillips3088]

Who could not love Lionel Richie? Just adore him!💙

[@aliboemboebalie5935]

This man can sing everything!!!

[@robertantonio594]

Hello Melissa how are you doing today

[@dianemason9092]

Wow Im came across this while listening to Lionel Ritchies songs. Part of me feel sad listening to his songs and the memories of how simple life was back then and how music was still being discovered. I miss those days 😪

[@johnlegend3081]

A difficult song sang effortlessly and preformed brilliantly by the one and only Lionel R 👏👏👏

[@bradcrawford1998]

Absolutely BEAUTIFULLY done Lionel. You did Niel PROUD 😉

[@karynbarry171]

I feel so blessed to have shared this time on the planet, to experience these guys bringing their blessing to us all..thank you both..wouldn't have missed this for anything..

[@heatherjohnson955]

Damn Lionel!!! That was fantastic!

[@zero2herogolf]

One of the greatest performances ever and most never even heard it! The mentioning of Tuskegee really brings it home.

[@revolution2737]

Love watching Neil’s reaction, you can tell it means so much to him

[@deesticco1719]

Loving it ! Great tribute. to Neil Diamond from another great favorite singer! 😎

[@masonalbert2213]

Hello friend, how are you doing, I hope you are safe over there?

[@taradobratz1252]

Word!!!!!!

[@gregfrance1894]

Love Neil Diamond s songs and Lionel Richie also. There was so mich awesome music coming out in the 60s, 70s, 80s and even the 90s. There are still many new artists that are also incredibly talented that I love to hear also. Bit there is a special place in my heart for tje 60s-70s when I was a kid growing up. Especially that voices were always louder than the backing music.

[@johnzywko5885]

Musician teamwork never done better, thank you Sir Elton and Disney..

[@BrentClay]

I keep coming back to this. Everything about it is amazing.

[@anneliseviljoen1511]

There is just one person that can sing that song right!! My Diamond ❤️💋

[@nandinimitrabanerjee2032]

After listening to this I listened to the original one in Madison Square Garden by King N. Diamond himself...!!! Masterpiece... No one can come close...what voice, throw, elegance... One gets transported...!!!!

[@lozzapi]

gave me goosebumps.beautiful.i am now a lionel richie fan

[@denisehedden13]

🦋Beautiful Tribute to Neil Diamond and a Beautiful Performance🦋

[@robertm7889]

My Goodness what a treat great song sung with the respect it sooo deserves!!!

[@kauimanera726]

Lionel Richie is the man. Neil diamond is a classic. What an honorable tribute.

[@LindaPerry_337]

Watching this again six yeats later. Lionel Ritchie rendition sounds good. However the song requires a humbleness which Neil Diamond does so well. Nobody does it better! ❤️🙋‍♀️

[@bro8974]

This song came out when I was searching. At times it was painful and lonely, but I always believed that there was something beautiful in my future if I did not give up. Thank God, I was right!