'Sparrow Looks Just Like Harlow', Lionel Richie

"I am so proud of Nicole and Joel," boasted second...
"I am so proud of Nicole and Joel," boasted second time grandfather Lionel Richie, at the UNSF's An Evening of Stars Saturday, honoring the legendary singer, just days after his daughter Nicole Richie, 27, and Joel Madden, 30, welcomed son Sparrow into the world. "(Nicole) is the happiest woman ever. She is just in total control," he said. "I'm the one that's nervous!" How is Sparrow's big sis Harlow adjusting to her new sibling? "Harlow right now is enjoying the baby until she finds out its staying," jokes Richie. And, thusly Sparrow is truly one of the family. "He looks just like Harlow," says grandpa. "All babies sort of look the same as their siblings, but this is identical." Which parent does Sparrow resemble most? "Mom did that," Richie says steadfastly. Continuing his spoiling tradition, the singer says he already brought the baby a "football helmet and cleats." But admits that he's a little ahead of the game. "They told me it wasn't time yet," he says with a laugh. Determined for his grandson to be a cheeky boy, Richie says, "Sparrow may not be the football playing name, but he'll get injured somewhere in the game." Though his exhilaration peaked when becoming a grandfather the first time "When I hear the words Papa or Popi, forget about it," says Richie of Harlow's names for him he says his second grandchild has him feeling "just over the top!"

Michael Jackson’s mum welcomes to tribute concert plans

London , (ANI): Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine has welcome the plans for an upcoming tribute concert for the King of Pop in Vienna, calling the show 'a wonderful idea'.

The September 26 show is being arranged by MJ’s elder brother Jermaine Jackson and it is accepted he has been trying to rope in many stars including Whitney Houston, John Mayer and Lionel Richie for the show. Over a million MJ fans have already requested for tickets online.World Awards Media, which is jointly arranging the concert with Jermaine, has released a hand-signed letter from Katherine Jackson, reports the Daily Star.Katherine writes: "An event of this attribute not only keeps Michael's spirit alive, more than that: It gives millions of fans the chance to experience his music and celebrate the life of my son. I am sure Michael would love it. I fully support Jermaine's attempt to spread Michael's important message of making a better world for us all... (I am) overwhelmed by the worldwide love and support that my beloved son Michael has received over the past month."The performers for the concert are anticipated to be named by the end of this month. Jackson, 50, had died on June 25 after bearing a cardiac arrest.

Lionel Richie History

In 2002, Richie's song "Running with the Night" was attributed on the Rockstar North video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City though the song was deleted from afterward versions of the game. In 2004, he came into view on Canadian Idol as his songs were featured during a Canadian Idol week.

In November 2005, Lionel Richie played with Kenny Rogers on a CMT Crossroads special. The show provided an informative insight into their friendship both in and out of the music world. Richie was also the headliner at a 2000 Fourth of July tribute concert with Fantasia Barrino at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Richie released his eighth studio album entitled " Coming Home" on September 12, 2006. The first single of the album was "I Call It Love" and was premiered in July 2006, becoming his largest remarkable hit in the U.S. in ten years. The album was an unbelievable success for Richie in the United States, peaking at #6. His adopted daughter Nicole Richie stars in the music video for this track.

On December 9, 2006, Richie hosted and played live on the British television show An Audience with Lionel Richie.

On February 11, 2007, Richie presented his 80s hit song "Hello" on the televised Grammy Awards show.

On November 25, 2007, he made a surprise appearance on the Australian Idol grand finale performing "All Night Long (All Night)" at the Sydney Opera House. Richie donated to Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential campaign.

On May 2, 2008, Lionel Richie was the 21st recipient of the George and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Achievement Award at UCLA's annual Spring Sing. In accepting the award, Richie said: "Forget about surviving 30 some odd years in the music business, Lionel Richie survived 27 years of Nicole Richie".

Recently, he has announced that he would like to get The Commodores back together soon, "or in the next 10 years no one will care."

Richie is also a well-known member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Lionel Richie Biography

Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr was born on June 20, 1949 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Lionel Richie is an American R&B singer, songwriter, composer, and occasional actor who got his start as the front man for the Commodores, a nationally popular Motown band during the 70’s. They had several hits such as Easy, Three Times a Lady, and probably the Commodores’ most famous hit, Brick House.

Richie left the band in ‘81 for a solo career. He launched his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can’t Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in ‘84. His third album, ‘86’s Dancing on the Ceiling generated such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.

His 90’s albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all are unsucceeded to achieve the previous decade’s commercial achievement. Some of his latest work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more sensation.