Lionel Richie revealed a “secret” during the Luke Bryan & Friends concert in Nashville, Tennessee, this week about his future on American Idol.
The 77-year-old has been struggling with his health and recently underwent a procedure on his heart to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Despite his health woes, Lionel announced he will return as a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood, and host Ryan Seacrest for the upcoming 25th season of the ABC singing competition.
Lionel shared the good news via a video message while Luke and Carrie were on stage at Bridgestone Arena on September 24, with the clip later uploaded to Instagram.
“Hello, Nashville! Look at this beautiful crowd,” he began. “And now, let me tell you something. Some of my greatest friendships have started right here in Nashville, Tennessee.
Lionel continued: “That includes you, Carrie, and Luke. Do you want to share our secret?”
The video then pans to Carrie as Luke says: “I’m so surprised that I’ve been able to keep this a secret. Are you ready, Carrie?”
Luke then excitedly announced to the crowd: “We’re coming back for the 25th season of American Idol!”
Carrie added: “And of course, what would American Idol be without Mr. Ryan Seacrest? He will be back as well.”
© Getty ImagesThe caption on the video read: “A surprise announcement in Nashville! Carrie, Luke, Lionel, and Ryan return for our landmark Season 25!”
Lionel’s health woes
The news of Lionel’s return comes after he was forced to cancel three of his tour dates with Earth, Wind and Fire as he recovered from surgery.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib),” his representative shared in a statement earlier this week. “The doctor said everything went perfectly.
© Getty Images“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” the statement concluded.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart beats in an irregular rhythm that begins in the upper chambers. It can be corrected via a catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that scars the heart tissue to prevent faulty electrical signals.
Lionel’s September 26 show in San Francisco, his September 30 show in Chicago, and his October 2 show in Columbus have been canceled, and his upcoming six-night residency in Vegas in October and November has been thrown into question.
© FilmMagicThe “All Night Long” singer has been struggling with his health in recent months and was forced to leave the stage early during a show in June due to a dizzy spell.
“What I have learned from my years of being in the business: when you’re feeling dizzy, sit your [expletive] down,” he told the crowd as he took a seat on stage. He checked into hospital later that night as a precaution.
Lionel later took to Instagram in July to share a health update with fans, writing: “Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love. I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
© GC ImagesThe father of three returned to the hospital on August 29 following a performance in St. Louis, after taking a seat and sipping on an electrolyte drink.
“Some things have been happening on this tour that kind of shook me up a little bit, because I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on,” he said during the show. “I went back to the doctor, and he said, ‘You are suffering from dehydration.'”
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