Lionel Richie will return to the judging panel of American Idol Season 25, joining longtime collaborators Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. Bryan made the announcement during a concert in Nashville, Tennessee. This will be the third year that the trio has judged the competition together, with Ryan Seacrest once again returning as host. Richie, 77, has been dealing with health challenges recently but is expected to be fully present for the season. Richie was hospitalized for the third time since June due to heart-related issues. His team confirmed he underwent a procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. Doctors reported the procedure was successful, and Richie is now recovering well. While he will take some time off, he is expected to return to performing soon. AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. While it is not immediately life-threatening, it can lead to complications such as fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. Richie has faced multiple health issues related to his heart this year, including two previous hospitalizations. Earlier this year, Richie struggled during a concert in St. Louis, Missouri, where he became visibly winded and had to sit down during his final song. He was hospitalized afterward and spent three days in the ICU. Before that, he experienced dizziness during a show in St. Paul, Minnesota, and joked about sitting down when he felt unwell. Despite these challenges, Richie has remained active on social media, reassuring fans of his recovery. Richie is set to return to the stage in October with his "Lionel Richie: King of Hearts" residency in Las Vegas. While American Idol was officially renewed in July, it typically takes a few months to finalize judge contracts. The season kicked off with the Idol Across America tour, a nationwide search for new talent.