Smokey Robinson Gives Health Update on Lionel Richie After Heart Procedure

Smokey Robinson Lionel Richie Is Doing Great ... We Had the Same Procedure!!! Published October 21, 2026 2:30 PM PDT Smokey Robinson has shared an uplifting update on Lionel Richie's condition ... after he was hospitalized and received treatment for an irregular heartbeat. We caught Smokey at LAX last week ... and "The Agony and the Ecstasy" hitmaker revealed there's no cause for concern. Calling Lionel his "brother" ... Smokey said his friend is doing great and that the procedure he underwent -- an AFib ablation -- is normal and routine ... even Smokey had the same operation performed on himself! While he wasn't sure about Lionel's future status on "American Idol" ... Smokey said he can't imagine the show would replace him permanently as a judge. We reported earlier ... Earth, Wind & Fire were forced to cancel several shows last month as Lionel sought treatment. These cancellations came after the "Hello" singer went to a hospital in St. Louis after a concert to undergo cardiac tests in August ... and experienced dizziness during a performance in St. Paul in June. Related articles Lionel Richie Smokey Robinson Lionel Richie Hospitalized Musicians Soul Music American Idol Exclusive Music Celebrity Health Concerts and Tours