LOS ANGELES (AP) – Rihanna, Usher, Stevie Wonder and John Legend paid tribute to Lionel Richie in a musical tribute touching on his roots in R&B to his string of romantic, easy-listening ballads that ruled the airwaves in the 1980s.
They joined The Band Perry, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton and Ellie Goulding in launching Grammy weekend Saturday night by honoring Richie as the MusiCares Person of the Year.
Richie was toasted for his musical achievements and philanthropic work two days before the Grammy Awards. The 66-year-old singer-songwriter launches a string of South American tour dates later this month.
Rihanna, wearing red sneakers with her red and white floral gown, sang “Say You, Say Me” backed by a string section.
Usher showed off his dance moves on the buoyant “Lady (You Bring Me Up).”