Close sources to superstar Lionel Richie are clearing the air following his explosive show where he seemingly called Diana Ross out.
As we previously reported, a clip showed the music legend on stage talking to his fans at the Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. During an intermission, he took the time to address the fact that icon Diana Ross wasn’t present to help him sing their hit song “Endless Love.” He boldly said, “There is a song I want to do, and for 37 years, I have tried my best to get Ms. Diana Ross to show up on this stage right here…tonight,” Richie began. “[For] 37 years! I have tried to call Ms. Ross on the phone. Full disclosure, It was clear to me when I said she has told me no for 37 years. 37 years! Diana has said ‘NO.’ What made you think tonight she was gon’ show up? She ain’t coming! She’s over there singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Beyoncé. Pissed me off.”
Now, after watching that clip, it appeared that Richie wanted all the smoke with Ross for curving his musical request. However, an insider is letting TMZ it’s not like that at all. The closer source told the outlet the so-called shade Lionel Richie threw at Diana was “simply a friend joking around.” Sources with direct knowledge went on to say that although has been shot down by Ross multiple times, it’s still no hard feelings and he’s got “lots of love” for her.
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So How Does Miss Diana Ross Feel About All Of This?
Well, she hasn’t publicly spoken out yet but sources close to her camp tell the news outlet the legendary singer was extremely honored to sing “Happy Birthday” to Bey at her l SoFi Stadium Renaissance concert last week, adding she simply was returning the favor.
As many can recall, a few years back, Beyonce hopped on the mic and delivered some of her beautiful vocals to shower Ross with love at her 75th birthday bash… so it only made sense to return that beautiful energy on stage for Bey’s bday concert.
Aside from that, it was noted that Richie and Ross have a history of publicly jokingly jabbing at each other like that, so it’s just all fun, games, and love at the end of the day.