Highlights
- Lionel Richie, known for his success as a singer and performer.
- Richie's net worth has been accumulated through his music career, American Idol judging, and various private investments.
- Richie has spent his fortune on extravagant purchases and family events.
Music legend Lionel Richie has been a household name since his days as the co-lead singer of the Commodores. In the 1970s, the Commodores was one of Motown's most popular and highest charting acts.
After his success with the Commodores, Richie pursued a solo career and furthered his fame and net worth. He was among the highest-selling artists of the 1980s and sold millions of records. In 2018, Richie began his tenure as a judge for American Idol, which only increased his relevance, with a salary said to be close to $10 million per season on the show.
Richie's net worth is absolutely insane, and so are some of his purchases.
What Is Lionel Richie Known For?
Lionel Richie got his start in the entertainment business during the height of soul music. In 1968, when Richie co-founded the Commodores, Motown Records was one of the most prolific music labels in the world.
Known for acts such as the Supremes, Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Four Tops, and Jackson 5, Motown created a sound, that blended soul and pop, which appealed to a universal audience.
Richie was a student at Tuskegee Institute when he met his fellow Commodores members. After a brief and unsuccessful signing with Atlantic Records, the group signed with Motown. During their early days at the label, they supported the Jackson 5 and were their opening act during concerts.
The Commodores released multiple successful albums with Motown, and had massive hits with songs such as "Easy", "Brick House", "Three Times a Lady", and "Nightshift." They also appeared in two films, Scott Joplin and Thank God Its Friday.
Richie gained notoriety as the group's lead singer and eventually decided to pursue a solo career after he left the Commodores in 1982. In 1981, Richie recorded "Endless Love", a duet with Diana Ross. The song received commercial and critical acclaim and has become one of the most beloved love songs of all time.
His debut album, which was self-titled, came out in October 1982 and introduced staples such as "My Love", "You Are", and "Truly." "Can't Slow Down" followed in 1983 and featured songs such as "All Night Long (All Night)" and "Hello". The album, which cemented Richie's solo success, even won a Grammy for Album of the Year. "Say You, Say Me", which Richie recorded for the 1985 film White Nights, won the Academy Award for Original Song in 1986.
While Richie was enjoying great success during the beginning of his solo career, he was also the subject of plagiarism lawsuits. In 1985, songwriters Gene Thompson and Tracey Singleton sued Richie as they believed some of his hit records were too similar to compositions they wrote in 1979. Fortunately for Richie, the judge for the case did not see any merit in Thompson and Singleton's claims.
"Dancing on the Ceiling", Richie's third album and last album of the decade, was released in August 1986. It featured songs such as "Love Will Conquer All", "Ballerina Girl", and the title track.
Richie continued to record music and release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, earning a reputation as one of the most romantic, soulful voices of the era. Many of his songs became Billboard Top 100 hits. He eventually became a judge on American Idol in 2018, joining Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Besides being a judge on American Idol, Richie has made appearances on Jeopardy and American Housewife.
What Is Lionel Richie's Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lionel Richie has amassed a fortune and is worth approximately $200 million. He has earned his net worth through his Commodores albums, solo albums, tours, American Idol tenure, and various private investments. Richie has also rented out properties, which provided him with considerable income.
Richie has earned $10 million per season during his tenure with American Idol, according to the U.S. Sun. Richie's wealth is only a testament to his lasting legacy as a performer and artist.
How Does Lionel Richie Spend His Money?
Lionel Richie purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills, which is near the Los Angeles Country Club, in 1999. The home, which has more than 25 rooms, was originally built in the 1920s. Since Richie purchased the property, he has spent a significant amount of money renovating it and making the house his own.
He purchased the property for $6 million, however, the property's value has increased to $40 million or more. According to Market Realist, Richie reportedly rented his house for a month during the U.S. Open for approximately $10 million!
During Christmas 2012, Richie allegedly purchased seven Merceds-Benz vehicles for his private collection, according to RTT News. Additional cars Richie has owned include a Ferrari Scaglietti, a Range Rover, and a 1976 Datsun 280Z, which was among the first big purchases he made after he achieved fame. According to Forbes, Richie also owns a private plane, which he uses to travel around the world.
Lionel Richie has three children, two daughters and a son. His children have lived a life in the spotlight and with great privilege due to their father's success. He expectedly has spent some of his fortune on purchasing nice items for his children as well as providing for their education.
In April 2023, Lionel Richie's youngest child, daughter Sofia, got married in a private wedding in France. The wedding, which Richie most likely paid for, was elaborate and luxurious. He spared no expense to give his daughter the perfect wedding that she had always dreamed about.
While Richie is often quiet with what he does with his fortune, he has made substantial purchases including his beautiful Beverly Hills estate, his car collection, and his private plane. Richie has a high net worth, yet little is known about how he spends his money, which is a testament to his ability to balance his career and personal life.
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