INTERNATIONAL: On Thursday, 10 March 2022, singer-songwriter Lionel Richie was honored with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song for his lifetime contributions to popular music. Richie is one of the most lauded romantic singers of the century. His top hits include “Say You, Say Me,” “Hello,” and “Endless Love.” In 1985, he and Michael Jackson wrote “We are the World” to raise money for African famine relief which also won a Grammy award.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan, fellow winners from 2019, and 'Black-ish' actor, Anthony Anderson, joined the event to honor their friend and fellow artist.

"Lionel, you are an impressive, incredible human being, not just for your talent and the beautiful songs you've given the world, including the iconic 'We are the World' and all of the beautiful things you've done, but because of the person who you are: warm, a person who makes everyone smile. I love you very much, Lionel. Congratulations," said Gloria Estefan.

Richie said that “We are the World” rang true back then and still rings true today.

“If you listen to the lyrics, they're just as (relevant) today as it was 30-some-odd years ago. It's a shame that we haven't come that far as a human race to move past the point of complete ignorance and we are not allowing people on earth to live together as one. How hard is that? It seems we can't get that together. Hopefully, I was hoping in my lifetime, but maybe in my kids' lifetime, but I'm a little frustrated right now. We ought to keep that song around for awhile," he said.

Gloria Estefan and Andra Day performed two of Richie’s classic hits during the tribute before he accepted the prize. The ceremony will be broadcast on 17 May.