Lionel Richie's performance during King Charles' coronation last weekend was talked about on social media but for pretty much all the confusing and probably the wrong reasons.
Along with fellow "American Idol" judge, Katy Perry, Richie hit the stage to perform for the British royal family, the newly crowned King and Queen, and a huge crowd in London.
While Richie's performance never faltered in quality, many were left confused as to what Lionel Richie's real voice was as many seemed to notice that his voice sounded very different than what they thought it was.
What is Lionel Richie's Real Voice?
Maybe it's a Mandela effect happening for some or not, many on social media seemed to think that Lionel Richie's voice was rather different than what they thought it was. (via NME)
For context, here's a video of Lionel Richie performing "All Night Long" live in 2007 at the Bercy Arena in Paris, France.
His voice, as lovely as ever, was perfect in this performance.
In contrast, here's his performance last May 6, 2023, at King Charles III's Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, where as usual his voice seemed to neither change nor falter.
READ ALSO: Luke Bryan Calls Out Lionel Richie After Thinking He's A 'Liar' For Saying THESE
Fans Confused What Lionel Richie's Voice Was
On Twitter, audiences of the coronation concert took to the platform to vent out their confusion and bewilderment at what they heard.
"Lionel Richie - voice is awful - very different and how much work has he had done ? Those cheekbones ffs," a user asked.
"Is someone disguised as Lionel Richie because that is not his voice! Sounds completely different," another echoed.
"Lionel Richie's voice sounds totally different. I wouldn't recognise it!" one pointed out.
Lionel Richie Underwent Throat Surgeries?
While Lionel Richie has yet to address the confusion, it wasn't actually private information that he had throat surgeries in the past.
"You don't want anybody fooling around down there. This is your identity," he said at the time to People Magazine. "I never really thought that it would end."
Overwhelmed with the mysterious illness, Richie revealed that he was at the brink of having a nervous breakdown when a still undisclosed mystery throat illness plagued him at the height of his career.
It is possible that the multiple throat surgeries may have affected his singing voice in the long run. However, it is not confirmed yet whether he was aware of these changes.
READ ALSO: Katy Perry At Coronation Concert: Fans Spot Major Detail During Singer's Performance
