Lionel Richie Returning to American Idol for Season 25 Amid Health Concerns
The veteran singer will rejoin judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan as the show prepares to relocate its production.
Lionel Richie is set to return as a judge for the 25th season of American Idol, his representatives have confirmed, amidst recent hospitalizations for heart issues. He will once again join fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan for the upcoming season, which is slated to premiere in 2027.
Richie's continued involvement with the singing competition was announced during a Luke Bryan & Friends concert in Nashville. A video message from Richie was played for the audience, where he shared the stage with Underwood and Bryan before they made the official announcement. Ryan Seacrest will also return as the show's host.
The news comes after Richie, 77, was hospitalized earlier this month for treatment of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. A representative stated that the procedure went "perfectly" and that Richie would "take some time off and will be back on stage soon."
This hospitalization led to the cancellation of three of Richie's concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire as part of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour. He had been scheduled to perform in San Francisco on September 26, Chicago on September 30, and Columbus, Ohio, on October 2.
In late August, Richie was admitted to the ICU in St. Louis after becoming ill following a show. Reports indicated he checked himself into the hospital for tests related to "cardiac-related issues."
This follows an incident in June when Richie fell ill and felt dizzy during a performance in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was met by paramedics backstage and transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. At the time, he postponed two concerts in Chicago and Columbus, with a statement indicating he needed to rest and return to full health.
Despite these health concerns, sources close to Richie have expressed worries that he may be prioritizing his work over his health, though they acknowledge no one is urging him to slow down. Richie has been a judge on American Idol since 2018.
Meanwhile, American Idol is set to relocate its production from Los Angeles to Atlanta for its 25th season. The exact premiere date for the upcoming season has not yet been announced, but it is expected in 2027.