Breaking News

Luke Bryan It's Official ... My Hero Lionel & I Are Joining 'Idol!!!'

Luke Bryan just made official what we told you about early Friday morning -- he and Lionel Richie are joining Katy Perry as judges #2 and 3 on "American Idol."

The country star made the announcement in a video he posted on Twitter just moments ago and hours after TMZ first reported the pending news.

Luke -- all the way from Hayfield, Kansas -- said he's excited to join "the beautiful Ms. Katy Perry and my hero Lionel Richie and my fellow Georgia boy, Ryan Seacrest."

As we reported ... signing all 3 judges didn't come cheap.

TWO new judges are crashing the #AmericanIdol party! Say HELLO to @LionelRichie and @LukeBryanOnline! pic.twitter.com/MzjsuVyVpY

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