Lionel Richie is confirmed to return to the judges' table for American Idol season 25, appearing alongside Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. This will mark the third year the trio has judged together, with Ryan Seacrest also returning as host.
The announcement by country star Luke Bryan in Nashville follows Richie's recent health issues. Richie, 77, was hospitalised for the third time since June after experiencing heart problems during his ongoing tour. His representative stated on Tuesday that he underwent a procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and is recovering.
Richie was previously hospitalised in June after a dizzy spell during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, and again in August after struggling to finish a show in St. Louis, Missouri. He is expected to resume his "Lionel Richie: King of Hearts" residency in Las Vegas on October 14.