Renowned music legend Lionel Richie recently made an appearance on the hit talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he shared exciting news about his upcoming memoir. Richie, known for his iconic songs and being a judge on American Idol, announced the title and cover of his memoir, which is set to be released soon.
During the interview, Kimmel expressed his excitement about the memoir and mentioned how Richie had been a frequent guest on his show, always sharing interesting stories. This led Richie to reveal that he decided to write the book because of Kimmel’s constant request for more stories. Richie humorously explained that he realized he had more stories to tell than he had shared on the show, prompting him to write the memoir.
Choosing a title for the book proved to be challenging, as Richie’s editor questioned the validity of some events. Richie jokingly suggested titles like “Can’t Make This Up” and “Lies, Lies, and More Lies,” but eventually settled on a title that reflects the truth – “The Other Side of a Lie.” Richie emphasized that in a world where truth is needed more than ever, his memoir offers a glimpse into both the tragic and comedic moments of his life.
Kimmel then delved into the topic of Richie’s departure from the Commodores, asking if the rumor he heard about the band kicking Richie out was true. Richie admitted that the situation was delicate because certain individuals mentioned in the book are still alive. While he couldn’t reveal all the details, Richie hinted that his departure from the band was related to the success of his solo career, particularly his hit song “Endless Love” with Diana Ross.
As the conversation continued, Kimmel playfully asked about a wild rumor involving 80s music legend Rick James. Richie refused to confirm or deny the story, citing his publishers’ advice to tread lightly around certain topics. He acknowledged that the book contains surprising moments and instances when he couldn’t remember everything himself. To ensure accuracy, he reached out to former Commodores bandmates for confirmation.
Switching gears, Kimmel discussed Richie’s role as a judge on American Idol. They marveled at the international reach of the show, as contestants from all over the world, including England, share their love for Richie’s music. This led to a discussion about the upcoming season of American Idol, where Richie revealed that there is an abundance of soulful and gospel-inspired performances, even leading to spontaneous moments of emotional connection.
Towards the end of the interview, Kimmel couldn’t resist mentioning the Oscars and Richie’s past nominations and win. Richie humorously expressed disbelief that he lost in the Best Original Song category for “Endless Love.” Though he admitted to being disappointed, he lightheartedly referred to saving the story for the next volume of his memoir, teasing a potential second book in the future.
As the interview concluded, Richie and Kimmel shared a lively exchange about their knowledge of Richie’s lyrics, leading to a playful challenge for the next time Richie appears on the show. In the meantime, fans can look forward to the release of Richie’s memoir, filled with captivating stories and behind-the-scenes moments from his remarkable career.
Catch American Idol’s return on March 9th following a special preview after the Oscars, and mark your calendars for Richie’s memoir, scheduled to release on September 30th. Liono Richie continues to captivate audiences with his incredible talent and infectious personality.
