Lionel Richie Celebrates Tuskegee Legacy with ‘American Idol’ Judges on Hometown Visit
Legendary musician Lionel Richie took his fellow “American Idol” judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan on a deeply personal journey to his hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama, showcasing the important legacy of the historic town. In an exclusive clip from Sunday’s upcoming episode, Richie expressed his pride in being “born and raised with the Tuskegee Airmen,” the pioneering group of Black air force pilots who bravely fought in World War II during a time of segregation.
Upon their arrival in Tuskegee, the trio of judges received a warm welcome from uniformed military personnel, who presented them with leather aviator jackets. They then ventured onto the campus of Tuskegee University, where they were greeted by enthusiastic students, cheerleaders, and the marching band.
This season on “American Idol,” each judge is bringing their co-stars to their respective hometowns for auditions, allowing them to share their roots. Richie, who hails from Tuskegee, expressed his excitement in a previous interview, saying he wanted to help his colleagues “understand the roots of another kind of Black America that people don’t get to hear and talk about every day.”
Despite his immense success as an artist, Richie acknowledged that “Tuskegee for me was about as far away from music as you could possibly think of.” However, in 2012, he paid tribute to his hometown by releasing his album “Tuskegee,” featuring duets with various country artists performing his classic hits.
“Coming back to Tuskegee was wonderful, it was overwhelming,” Richie shared in the clip. “It was just one of those moments where I had to kind of reflect.” With evident pride, he added, “And it’s still home.”
By bringing his fellow judges to Tuskegee, Richie not only celebrated his musical legacy but also shed light on the town’s rich history and its significance in the fight for racial equality through the Tuskegee Airmen’s bravery and resilience.
The full episode of “American Idol,” featuring Richie’s emotional hometown visit, will air this Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. local time.
