In 2012, The Voice Coach and Blake Shelton and R&B superstar Lionel Richie joined forces to sing one of Richie’s classic hits “You Are” for a rendition that was the perfect blend of country and soul. During the performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Richie encouraged Shelton’s upbeat singing while the two swayed back and forth to the music with their vocals bouncing off of each other.

What to know about “You Are” by Lionel Richie

Written by Richie, “You Are” is a hit song off of his 1982 self-titled debut solo album. With a fast tempo and romantic lyrics, it reached the number four position at the Billboard charts in early 1983.

In 2012, a revamped version featuring vocals by Shelton was released, accompanied with a personal music video that chronicles the musicians’ process of recording the duet.

Blake Shelton performs onstage during the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas; Lionel Richie performs on stage during the Coronation Concert on May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images; Leon Neal/Getty Images

Lionel Richie and Blake Shelton Perform ‘You Are’ at ‘Lionel Richie and Friends: In Concert’ at MGM Grand Garden Arena

On April 2, 2012, the legendary Lionel Richie teamed up with country star Blake Shelton for a memorable performance of Richie’s classic hit You Are during the star-studded event, Lionel Richie and Friends: In Concert, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This magical collaboration brought together two powerhouse vocalists from different genres, showcasing their musical versatility and shared love for timeless melodies.

An Iconic Duet

Lionel Richie, known for his soulful ballads and timeless hits, was the highlight of the evening, but his duet with Blake Shelton added an unexpected twist to the night. Shelton, at the height of his country music fame, brought his deep, rich vocals to the pop classic, creating a unique and refreshing take on You Are. The combination of Richie’s smooth voice and Shelton’s distinct country twang gave the performance a fresh and heartfelt vibe.

Their chemistry on stage was palpable, with both artists smiling and exchanging playful glances as they harmonized. Richie’s signature charisma blended seamlessly with Shelton’s laid-back charm, making their rendition of the song both engaging and soulful.