Lionel Richie: Michael Jackson is Not Normal, I’m In Love Again

Published October 2nd, 2000 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Crooner Lionel Richie says pop pal Michael Jackson is  

"not normal,” but he's a great dad. 

The Dancing On The Ceiling star claims that despite the 

controversy surrounding his Thriller buddy, he is an  

excellent father. 

He says, "when I see Michael Jackson now, we talk about  

our kids. He really has become Papa Jackson. He's turned into  

this... parent. The word 'normal' is a tough word to use around Mike,  

you know what I'm saying, but he's a real doting daddy. Goes bike- 

riding with them and everything.” 

"Not on the street though!" added Richie. 

Meanwhile, the crooner is back with a new album, because 

he's rediscovered his belief in love. 

The star stopped making music after his messy divorce, the death of his father and the loss of an old friend to AIDS made him "a cynic.” 

He explains, "I hadn't stopped recording and touring since I 

stared with the Commodores. I missed 15 Christmases in a  

row. 

"I bought a wedding present for friends, and by the time  

I took it round they were divorced!" 

But the All Night Long singer says his relationship with second wife Diane has changed him, and he now remembers why he used to write so many love songs. 

He says, "I am a hopeless romantic again. Love is the  

one subject that does not go out of style. 

"I have tried to find other words for 'I love you, I  

want you, I need you, forever. "And you know what? There are no other words” – WENN. 

© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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