Lionel Richie: 'American Idol' judge almost had a nervous breakdown when 'mystery' illness persisted even after 4 throat surgeries
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: This year, 'American Idol' will return with a brand-new season. On Sunday, February 19, at 8 pm ET on ABC, the 21st season premiere episode will begin with the audition process. Last season, Kentucky native Noah Thompson was crowned the winner, with very strong runner-ups HunterGirl and Leah Marlene. This season will see the return of our favorite judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie as they begin to look for the nation’s next American idol.
One of only two composers in history to hold the No. 1 spot for nine years straight is pop music legend Lionel Richie. With more than 125 million records sold worldwide, he has also won four Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and the honor of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016. But there was a time in his life when Lionel questioned himself due to a medical scare. To know more about this musical legend continue reading.
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Who is Lionel Richie?
Lionel Brockman Richie Jr, born June 20, 1949, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is admired for his soft and deep love ballads from the 1970s and 1980s. Lionel's musical career began with the funk and R&B band the 'Commodores' before he made the switch to a successful solo career. His top hits include 'Hello,' 'All Night Long,' 'Lady' (featuring Kenny Rogers), and more. He is one-half of the reason why the rousing song 'We are the World' exists.
Lionel was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, and is the son of Lionel Brockman Richie Sr., a U.S. Army systems analyst, and Alberta R. Foster, a principal and teacher. He wrote and produced the duet 'Endless Love' with Diana Ross; it remains one of the 20 all-time best-selling singles and was both artists' biggest career hit. It was around this career high that Lionel faced a health scare that almost caused him to have a nervous breakdown. In the early 1990s, while going through a rough divorce from his first wife, Brenda Harvey, and caring for his ill father, Lionel Richie underwent four consecutive surgeries for an unidentified ailment affecting his throat.
In an interview with People magazine, Lionel opened up about how scared he was that the illness and the surgeries might have an impact on his singing skills and career. "I have been through four surgeries, vocal surgeries," Lionel shared. "And while you're sitting there in silence, the question comes up, 'Who am I? Who am I really?' Without this voice, who are you really? And as an artist, you are defined by your voice." Lionel was told by doctors to stop singing, which the crooner didn't want to hear. He went to a holistic physician, who was able to identify the issue as a result.
Lionel's diagnosis? Simple acid reflux. The foods he was digesting caused a reaction where stomach acid irritated the esophagus. The singer made a full recovery and hasn't experienced the same problem again. And today, at the age of 74, Lionel is showing no signs of slowing down and continues to go on tours and give powerful performances.
The legendary judge is returning for 'American idol' Season 21
In 2018, when the show was revived for a 16th season, moving from its former home on Fox to ABC it brought along a band of new judges — Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Now, the competition show will be returning for its 21st season this spring with new contestants for audiences everywhere to root for through voting.
Lionel will be back for the upcoming season marking this as his sixth consecutive season. Known for his sophisticated and compassionate comments, the music legend always expresses wise words to the contestants. Who will be the next Idol? We are going to find out very soon.
'American Idol' season 21 makes its debut at 8 pm ET. It will be available on Hulu the next day.