Photo: WENN.com
Moustached love-machine Lionel Richie brought all his hits to London's O2 Arena during an entertaining show to thousands of excited women and their begrudging partners.
As the lights dimmed and the screams got louder, a dance mega mix of 'All Around the World/Hello' and a line from LMFAO's 'Everyday I'm Shufflin' preceded Richie rising like a saviour onto the stage.
The 63-year-old star dressed all in black was greeted with a massive ovation as he declares that "We are going to have the best time EVER" before launching into a set packed with hits. Playing songs that have spanned across almost every decade since the 60's, Richie carries himself brilliantly for a man of his age.
There is no denying that the man is a born entertainer, his rapport with the audience is great and all the while he pulls out hits like 'Penny Lover' 'Easy like Sunday Morning' and 'Stuck on You,' even the begrudging husbands can't help but get caught up in the show.
Lionel is at his best when he sits behind his piano making the women swoon with emotion for a song like 1978 hit 'Three Times a Lady.' Richie is joined by an over-enthusiastic backing band who although brilliant to watch for pure cheese filled entertainment can be quite annoying. Luckily, it is the master of the cheese Richie who steals the show though, with a song like 'Dancing on the Ceiling', cemented his place at the top of wedding disco playlists everywhere.
Pulling out solo and Commodore hits alike Richie even had time for some special guests. First introducing a sparkling Pixie Lott to perform 'Angel', their song off his latest LP, Tuskegee and as if that wasn't enough, he later introduced Rebecca Ferguson who excelled taking on Diana Ross' - and more recently Shania Twain's - part on 'Endless Love.'
Above: Lionel performing in Birmingham on Friday night
A closing trio of 'Say You, Say Me', 'Hello' and the belting 'All Night Long' pleases everyone in attendance but it what he does at the end of 'All Night Long' that left me and many other lost for words. As a familiar sounding upbeat dance beat kicked in Richie offered his unique take on Korean sensation Psy's massive hit 'Gangnam Style.' Aptly named 'Lionel Richie Style' it was the prize cheese at the end of a wonderful cheese and wine night.
Returning to the stage for 'Goodbye', a standing ovation is observed by all in attendance. Yes it was cheesy, no his songs aren't for everyone but what you do get from Richie is an entertaining show from an artist who knows exactly what his fans want to hear.
