Lionel Richie had to convince his handlers a joint tour with Mariah Carey was a good idea after they voiced reservations about the famed diva's attitude. The singer is currently sharing the stage with Mariah on their All the Hits Tour, and he is thrilled by fans' reactions, because some people were unsure about how the trek would turn out.
However, Lionel always knew the double bill would be a big success, because industry insiders had similar doubts about him teaming up with another legendary female singer back in 1984 - and he proved them wrong. "It is the greatest thing ever because everyone was holding their breath: 'Well, what's it gonna be like?'," he told U.S. breakfast show Today, "and I told them, I said, 'Listen, Tina Turner and Lionel Richie together, they said, We're not sure about that...'"
"Mariah is a given. She has more hits than hits, between the two of us we can do a nine hour show," Lionel smiled. "It's just one giant karaoke for fans." The 68-year-old reveals he has a "great" vibe with Mariah, and he appreciates how much respect the Heartbreaker star shows him while they're preparing for a gig. "It's very funny because I go in and I'm trying to be like (casual): 'How ya doin'?' and she goes, 'Hi Mr. Richie'," he said. "She's very respectful."
The All the Hits Tour, which had its launch initially postponed from March to July due to Lionel's knee surgery earlier this year, is due to run until 5 September in Seattle, Washington. Richie will then head to Las Vegas to start a new residency show at The AXIS in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from November.
(Star Magazine)
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