The star had been airlifted to hospital after swerving off the road on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, but was released 12 hours later.

The crash caused slight damage to the car and tree

A spokesperson for the Stony Brook University Hospital declined to give details of his injuries.

The crash happened in Sag Harbor, about 90 miles east of New York City, and Joel was alone in the car, police chief Thomas Fabiano said.

He was taken by ambulance to East Hampton Airport before being airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital.

Witnesses reported that chunks of bark were torn from the tree and skid marks were left on the road.

The accident happened at about 2230 local time on Saturday (0330 GMT Sunday).

Joel, 53, survived a 1982 motorcycle accident on Long Island.

He has been one of the most popular male singers of the last 30 years, with hits including Uptown Girl and Piano Man.

He is due to start a three-month US tour in Birmingham, Alabama, on 21 February.

Global star

Born in the Bronx, New York, Joel moved to Long Island as a young child.

With 33 US top 40 hits, he has sold more than 100 million records around the world. He has also won six Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

A Broadway musical, Movin Out, about a young couple on Long Island, was based on Joel's music and opened in October 2002.

In June 2002, he spent 10 days in a substance abuse and psychiatric hospital for what was described as "a specific and personal problem that had recently developed".