Lionel Richie will be treated to an all-star tribute at the Grammy Awards but he’s already the centre of attention.

He was named the 2016 MusiCares person of the year for his philanthropic and artistic contributions at a star-studded tribute concert in Los Angeles.

Stevie Wonder, left, and Lenny Kravitz arrive at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Cente
Stevie Wonder arrived at the ceremony with Lenny Kravitz (Jordan Strauss/AP)

The gala began with a cocktail reception and silent auction to raise money for MusiCares, which provides support for the music community in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The organisation is the charitable arm of the National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences, which awards the Grammys.

Ellie Goulding arrives at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center
Ellie Goulding opted for a plunging dress for the tribute (Jordan Strauss/AP)

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine kicked off the performances with a rendition of Lionel’s hit Dancing On The Ceiling, before The Band Perry performed Endless Love and Rihanna performed Say You Say Me.

Dave Grohl, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, The Roots, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Leon Bridges, Luke Bryan, Ellie Goulding, Demi Lovato and Chris Stapleton were all due to take to the stage to pay tribute to Lionel.

John Legend arrives at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center
John Legend arrived at the event without his pregnant wife Chrissy Teigen (Jordan Strauss/AP)

Demi, John, Luke and Meghan Trainor are also due to take to the stage at the Grammys on Monday for a musical tribute to Lionel.