Lionel Richie Reveals Lesson Learned in Global Travels

If there’s one lesson that Lionel Richie has learned in his many trips around the globe, it’s that the Beatles were right. The one thing that everyone really needs, or wants for that matter, is love. 

“I travel the world, and all people really want to hear is, ‘I love you,'” Richie said in a statement provided for People magazine. “‘I love you’ is forever. And the day we realize we come as different tribes, but we all represent the global family of mankind… the day that happens, we will clearly be united, together, as one.” 

Lionel Richie to Publish ‘No-Holds-Barred’ Memoir in September

The “American Idol” judge has been working on his memoir, “Truly,” which is scheduled to be published on September 30. People magazine was given an exclusive look at the cover of the book described as “intimate” and “no-holds-barred,” noting that it dives deep into significant aspects of Richie’s life behind the music, such as his father’s death, his challenges overcoming ADHD, and the injury to his vocal chord that threatened to end his singing career. 

“We are thrilled to not only be providing his fans and friends with a nuanced, detailed, emotional telling of what his life has held, but his view of the world — what has changed and what has remained the same, the difficulties and the causes for celebration,” Judith Curr, president and publisher of HarperOne Group, said in a statement to People. 

Lionel Richie Stays Busy With “American Idol,” International Tour Dates

The 75-year-old Richie is as busy as ever. His eighth consecutive season as a judge on “American Idol” will begin on March 9, and after a few mid-April shows in Las Vegas, Richie will embark on the Say Hello to the Hits Tour through the U.K. and Europe, which runs May 31 through August 2. A frequent contributor to Instagram, Richie has posted photos of recent shows in spots such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar. 

On February 7, Richie announced on Instagram that he will be an executive producer of “K-Popped,” with an eight-episode series coming to Apple TV+. Richie wrote that he was “hyped” to announce a new show that teams up stars from Korean pop with music icons from around the world “for an electrifying showdown, straight from the heart of Seoul!” 

Richie further announced the “powerhouse duo” that will open up the series: K-Pop star Psy, who gained worldwide acclaim in 2012 for “Gangham Style,” and Megan Thee Stallion. She will also serve as an executive producer and posted her colorful “KPopped” performance outfit on Instagram.