Lionel Richie Joins The World Games 2022 Performer Lineup
The event is scheduled for July 17 at Protective Stadium in Alabama.
The Music of The World Games has announced the addition of global superstar Lionel Richie as a featured performer at this year’s event.
The Tuskegee, AL-native is set to return to his home state and headline the The World Games 2022 Closing Ceremony presented by Coca Cola, set for July 17 at Protective Stadium. This performance marks Richie’s first performance in his home state in over two decades.
“I’m honored to be joining all the talented artists performing at The World Games Closing Ceremony, and to be headlining the closing ceremonies is truly special. I am so excited to be coming home to perform in Alabama,” says Richie.
Serving as the grand finale of The World Games 2022 – One World-One People: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement & Unity – will commemorate The Games with incredible performances and the opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham.
Richie will headline the evening, joining some of the most iconic performers from the state of Alabama for a series of once-in-a-lifetime moments, including: the legendary group Alabama; a special duet between Blind Boys of Alabama and Jamey Johnson; Alabama’s American Idols Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, and Bo Bice on stage together for the first time; the renowned Martha Reeves performing “Dancing in the Streets,” plus performances by The Voice’s mother/daughter trio Worth The Wait, gospel musician & 5x Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr., and rising rap sensation Yung Bleu. The Closing Ceremony will cap with the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives of the 2025 host city: Chengdu, China.
Back in March, Richie was honored with the prestigious Gershwin Prize, an event that featured performances and cameos from Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men, Richie’s American Idol co-host Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Andra Day, and Miguel.
The event was hosted by Anthony Anderson at the DAR Constitution Hall in DC. The show is set to air May 17 on PBS.
Listen to the best of Lionel Richie on Apple Music and Spotify.
