As with most events in the final act of his life, the King Of Pop's memorial today at Los Angeles' Staples Center comes with pomp, overwhelming media attention, and of course, controversy. The star-studded event -- promising appearances from Stevie Wonder, Usher, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Johny Mayer, Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Hudson, and the Jac...

AP - Lionel Richie got a little help from his former bandmates to close out the weekend's Essence Music Festival: Members of The Commodores joined him on stage to sing several of their hits, including "Brick House" and "Just to be Close to You."

Reuters - A quick look at the writing and production credits for Lionel Richie's latest reveals his obvious desire to connect with an audience too young to remember mid-'80s hits like "Dancing on the Ceiling" and "Hello." Akon, Ne-Yo, Stargate, "Tricky" Stewart and the-Dream all contribute to an album with an up-to-the-minute digital sheen.

Reuters - After letting others guide his creative direction on two albums, Lionel Richie plans to take control again on his next recording project.

Reuters - "Hello" may be among Lionel Richie's signature No. 1 songs, but for more than 30 years, the singer-songwriter hasn't so much as paused for a "bye for now."