Legendary American singer, Lionel Richie, was rushed to a hospital after suffering a medical incident on stage that forced him to end his concert early in Minnesota, United States, during the opening night of his joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the 77-year-old music icon was performing at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul on Wednesday when he began feeling unwell during the show.
Videos circulating online showed Richie seated on stage while performing his hit song, “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Local authorities later confirmed that a man matching the singer’s description was transported to a nearby hospital following the incident.
St. Paul Fire Department Public Information Officer Jamie Smith told Entertainment Weekly via email that “an adult male was transported” to “a local hospital” after Richie informed the audience that he was feeling “dizzy” during the performance.
Representatives of the singer have yet to issue an official statement regarding his condition.
During the concert, Richie openly addressed the crowd about his health scare while remaining in good spirits.
“What I have learned about my years of being in the business. When you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your ass down!” he said into the microphone as attendees cheered.
The veteran performer then joked about the unusual moment, saying, “Now, I want you to know, that’s the first time in the history of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ I’ve done it sitting down. That’s a bad sign, y’all.”
Richie later performed “Three Times a Lady” while seated at a piano, but the concert was eventually paused unexpectedly.
Moments later, saxophonist Dino Soldo informed fans that the singer would not be returning to complete the show.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won’t be able to continue with the show,” he said. “And additional information will be available. Thank you for your patience, and your understanding.”
Richie is currently scheduled to continue his North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire across 26 cities, with the next performance set for Friday in Chicago.
However, it remains unclear whether the show will proceed as planned following his reported hospitalization.
