Luke Bryan Gives Update On Lionel Richie As He Recovers From Health Issues
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Luke Bryan is giving fans an update on how his American Idol co-judge Lionel Richie is doing after dealing with health issues for the past few months.
On September 24, it was confirmed that American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will all return for Season 25, which is set to air sometime in spring 2027.
While it may not be a surprise that the three judges are coming back, Richie’s spot was a little uncertain given his recent health problems.
Richie’s health took a turn in June when he felt dizzy during a concert while on tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The show was canceled midway, and Richie was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Then, at the beginning of this month, he was reportedly taken to the hospital again after a show in St. Louis. He was admitted to the ICU and spent three days there before being released.
A few weeks later, a rep for Richie shared a statement with PEOPLE, revealing that the legendary performer had undergone a medical procedure for Atrial fibrillation.
Those diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation experience an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition needs to be taken very seriously because it can cause blood clots in the heart and comes with a heightened risk of stroke and heart failure.
“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” Richie’s rep said at the time.
Luke Bryan Shares An Update On How Lionel Richie Is Doing
Fans haven’t heard any further updates from Richie’s team since then. But in a recent interview with Good Morning America, his buddy Luke Bryan shared a brief update after talking with him on the phone.
“Yea he’s doing well,” Bryan said.
Bryan said he called Richie to let him know he loved him, showing his support after hearing about everything he’d been going through. Richie missed the call but called him back to put his mind at ease.
“He was like ‘Man I’m just telling ya I’m alright,’ so it was good for him to call me,” Luke added.
Bryan added that Richie “works hard” and said he’s “gotta slow down a bit.”
It’s good to hear that Richie is recovering well after a tough few months. We can’t wait to see him back on TV when Season 25 of American Idol kicks off.
So far, there aren’t a lot of details about the upcoming season. We’re still waiting for an exact premiere date, but we do know one big thing will be different: the show is moving.
After filming in Los Angeles for more than two decades, American Idol will now be produced in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
