Four-time Grammy Award winner and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie appeared at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards on Sunday (March 1) to present the “Sinners” actor Michael B. Jordan with the coveted Entertainer of the Year award.
While Jordan beat out nominees like Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor to claim his second career EOTY award, the actor’s victory was made all the more special by the powerful speech Richie delivered in the moments before the winner was announced.
Lionel Richie Tells NAACP Image Award Nominees: ‘We Have to Keep Moving Forward’
GettyLionel Richie – a longtime NAACP member himself – has previously been the recipient of two “Best Male Artist” Image Awards in 1983 and 2007, respectively, as well as taking home his own “Entertainer of the Year” award in 1987 following the release of his best-selling album “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
While presenting this year’s EOTY award, Richie took to the stage delivered at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to deliver a powerful message about “legacy, excellence, and the responsibility that comes with impact” before announcing Michael B. Jordan as the award recipient.
“I’ve spent many a time here at this wonderful award show, and I’ve received some wonderful awards from this wonderful organization,” he began, adding, “Let me just say, the struggle will never be over. We have to keep moving forward.”
Richie’s message spoke to the ongoing struggles Black artists face in the entertainment industry, from discrimination to racism and typecasting.
Lionel Richie Praises 2026 Entertainer of the Year Nominees: ‘You’ve Got the Talent’
GettyAfter a raucous round of applause from the audience, Lionel revealed the nominees for the 2026 Entertainer of the Year Image Award, included Oscar-nominated “Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar, Golden Globe recipient Teyana Taylor and BAFTA-nominated “Sinners” actor Michael B. Jordan.
“Regardless of who takes home the big prize, each of these artists gave us performances so deserving of our highest honor,” Richie continued. “So I will say to you all now…congratulations. You put the time in. You’ve got the talent.”
“I’m glad I’m not in this competition,” Lionel added before declaring Jordan as the recipient of the 2026 Image Award for Entertainer of the Year.
GettyThe award marked Michael B. Jordan’s 16th career NAACP Image Award nomination and his second win for Entertainer of the Year.
His return to the long-standing celebration of Black excellence in film, TV, music and more to present this year’s EOTY award, also saw Richie walk away with the non-televised award for Outstanding Literary Work, awarded to his recently-released best-selling memoir, “Truly.”
Fans can continue to catch Lionel Richie – alongside Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan– on the judging panel for Season 24 of “American Idol,” airing every Monday at 8:00pm ET, exclusively on ABC.
