Lionel Richie to Return as American Idol Judge for Season 25 in 2027 After Heart Procedure Lionel Richie will return as a judge on American Idol for its 25th season alongside Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, despite recent hospitalizations for heart issues. Lionel Richie will return as a judge on American Idol for its upcoming 25th season, the show announced during the Luke Bryan and Friends concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Thursday. The 77-year-old singer, who has recently been hospitalized for heart issues, will join fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, with host Ryan Seacrest also returning. The announcement was made on stage by Underwood and Bryan, with Richie appearing via video on a large screen behind them. Richie greeted the crowd, saying, Hello, Nashville! as the audience erupted in cheers. He added, Look at this beautiful crowd, and told fans that some of his greatest friendships started right there in Nashville, Tennessee, including with Underwood and Bryan.As Underwood filmed a selfie video on stage, Bryan shared, I am so surprised that I have been able to keep this a secret. Are you ready, Carrie? After she said yes, he announced, We are coming back for the 25th season of American Idol! Underwood confirmed that Ryan Seacrest will also return as host. Bryan encouraged fans to audition, calling the season legendary. The moment was later shared on Instagram with the caption, A surprise announcement in Nashville! Carrie, Luke, Lionel, and Ryan return for our landmark Season 25!Richie first joined American Idol as a judge in 2018. The upcoming 25th season is set to premiere in 2027 on ABC. Earlier this month, it was revealed that production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, according to Deadline. Daily Mail reached out to representatives of Richie for comment but has yet to hear back.The news of Richie's return comes amid his recent health issues. Earlier this week, it was revealed that he was hospitalized and received treatment for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. A representative for Richie said, Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.Richie canceled his next three concerts with Earth, Wind and Fire due to the hospitalization. He had been set to perform on the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour on September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago, and October 2 in Columbus, Ohio. Late last month in August, he was taken into the ICU in St. Louis after falling ill following a show. According to TMZ, he checked himself into the hospital for tests and was treated in the intensive care unit, where he was tested for cardiac-related issues.Back in June, Richie fell on stage mid-performance at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. He had admitted to feeling dizzy and sat down on the stage. Sources close to the artist told TMZ that he was met by paramedics backstage before being transported to the hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure. Richie later broke his silence on the incident and shared 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 and 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. 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.The announcement solidifies the judging panel and host for the landmark season, which will be the show's 25th overall. Richie's return is a positive sign for fans, though his health will be closely monitored. The singer is expected to take some time off before returning to the stage.