Lionel Richie’s future on American Idol has been confirmed following the singer’s recent hospitalizations related to heart problems.
The 77-year-old music star, who has received treatment for atrial fibrillation, will return for the singing competition’s upcoming 25th season alongside fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
Richie, the hitmaker behind “We Are The World,” joined the American Idol judging panel in 2018.
The major update was shared during the Luke Bryan & Friends concert in Nashville on Thursday, with the moment later being uploaded to Instagram.
Underwood and Bryan appeared together onstage in Nashville to address the audience before Richie joined them in a video shown on a large screen behind the pair.
“Hello, Nashville!” Richie called out as the crowd inside Bridgestone Arena responded with loud cheers and applause.
Lionel Richie, 77, will return to American Idol following recent hospitalizations for heart issues; seen on the show in May
The singer will be back for the competition series’ 25th season alongside judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan
“Look at this beautiful crowd,” he continued. “And now, let me tell you something. Some of my greatest friendships have started right here in Nashville, Tennessee.”
“That includes you, Carrie and Luke. Do you want to share our secret?” Richie asked.
As Underwood recorded a selfie video onstage, Bryan said, “I’m so surprised that I’ve been able to keep this a secret. Are you ready, Carrie?”
After Underwood confirmed she was ready, Bryan enthusiastically announced, “We’re coming back for the 25th season of American Idol!”
The two judges paused as the arena erupted in cheers, with the camera then turning toward the fans in attendance.
“And of course, what would American Idol be without Mr. Ryan Seacrest? He will be back as well,” Underwood added, referring to the show’s longtime host.
Bryan then urged viewers to spread the word and audition, asking, “It’s gonna be legendary, right?” Underwood, the singer behind “Before He Cheats,” shouted back, “Legendary!”
The caption accompanying the Instagram announcement read: “A surprise announcement in Nashville! Carrie, Luke, Lionel, and Ryan return for our landmark Season 25!”
After Underwood said she was ready, Bryan announced, “We’re coming back for the 25th season of American Idol!”
The “We Are The World” hitmaker joined the American Idol judging panel in 2018; seen above in 2025
The Daily Mail has contacted Richie’s representatives for comment but has not yet received a response.
The next season of American Idol is scheduled to premiere on ABC in 2027.
Earlier this month, it was reported that production of the show will move from Los Angeles to Atlanta, according to Deadline.
The news of Richie’s return as an American Idol judge comes amid the performer’s recent health issues.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the star was hospitalized and received treatment for atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat.
A rep for Richie told the Daily Mail, ‘Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib).
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‘The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.’
Amid the latest hospitalization, Richie canceled his next three concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire.
It was revealed earlier this month that the show’s production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, per Deadline; seen in April
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the star was hospitalized and received treatment for atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat; seen in April in NYC
He had been set to take to the stage for the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour on September 26 in San Francisco.
Richie also canceled a September 30 concert in Chicago as well as a show in Columbus, Ohio on October 2.
Late last month in August, the music artist was taken into the ICU in St. Louis after he fell ill following a show in the city.
According to TMZ, the star checked himself into the hospital to have tests done before being treated in the intensive care unit.
It was soon revealed by the outlet that Richie had been tested for ‘cardiac-related issues.’
Back in June, the singer also fell on stage mid-performance at Grand Casino Arena in St Paul, Minnesota.
Richie had admitted to feeling ‘dizzy’ and sat down on the stage amid the performance.
Sources close to the music artist told TMZ at the time he was met by paramedics backstage before being transported to the hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure.
Late last month in August, the music artist was taken into the ICU in St. Louis after he fell ill following a show in the city; seen in July in Detroit
Back in June, the singer fell on stage mid-performance at Grand Casino Arena in St Paul, Minnesota; seen in 2025 in Belfast
Richie later broke his silence on the incident and shared at the time that his concert tour would be halted.
‘Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH.’
The statement continued, ‘He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA.
‘Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.’
A source told the Daily Mail that loved ones worry that Richie is prioritizing work and performing rather than his own health; seen in 1983
A source told the Daily Mail that loved ones worry that Richie is prioritizing work and performing rather than his own health.
‘Family, friends, and even his bandmates are definitely concerned about Lionel’s health, but nobody is about to tell him to slow down.’
The insider added, ‘They all want him better and to do what he loves to do…’
Earlier this month, Richie looked in high spirits as he stepped out for a dinner party in Beverly Hills and held up a double thumbs up to those awaiting nearby.