Lionel Richie Too Busy To Judge On ‘Duets’

Lionel Richie has a long track record of hits and his latest is the his latest chart-topping album ‘Tuskegee,’ but it looks like his success with duets won't earn him a place on  the singing competition show ‘Duets.’ Richie is no longer on the show and is expected to be replaced by  John Legend.

Richie had been expected to serve as a mentor on the ABC program, The show which premieres on May 24, had planned to have Ritchie serve as a mentor along with Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. But it was reported by Taste of Country that Richie dropped out, citing conflicts with his schedule..

‘Tuskegee’, which is Richie's latest album, includes duets with country music stars like Shania Twain, Blake Shelton and Willie Nelson. The album topped out at #1 on the Billboard charts. It's the first time for Richie to be on top since 1986.