Lionel Richie Regrets Not Invite Madonna To The Song We Are The World

Lionel Richie (Instagram @lionelrichie)

JAKARTA - After 39 years, Lionel Richie admitted that he was sorry for not putting Madonna in the line-up of the singer who took part in the song We Are The World.

While appearing at Jimmy Kimmel Live, the 74-year-old singer believed he had made a mistake in choosing the line-up on the 1985 hit song.

Richie publicly said he was faced with voting between Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. In the end, he decided to vote for Lauper.

"This is probably one of the most interesting questions in the world, because we only have half a row to sing. Let me say it now, in half a row. So, we have to have a voice that people immediately know," Lionel Richie said, launching the YouTube channel Jimmy Kimmel Live, Tuesday, February 20.

"So, for whatever reason, and talking, we don't know if Cyndi will come. Because after the show I said to Cyndi, 'You're coming?' And he said, 'I talked to my girlfriend and he didn't feel like it was a success.' And I said, 'Don't miss this session,' and he showed up and did it,'" he continued.

"The bottom line is, you have to have a recognizable voice. Whatever the reason, Cyndi has it...that's all."

Then, Jimmy Kimmel urged Richie why he didn't include Madonna in the We Are The World footage. Kimmel felt the singer of All Night Long had made a mistake.

"I'm going to say this now on national and international television, you're right," Lionel Richie said admitting his guilt.