*Grammy-winning singer Lionel Richie was reportedly hospitalized Wednesday night after experiencing dizziness on stage during the opening concert of his North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
The 77-year-old entertainer was performing at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, when he paused the show and told the audience he wasn’t feeling well.
Video shared on social media captured Richie sitting down during a performance of “Dancing on the Ceiling” as he addressed concerned fans with his trademark humor.
‘When You’re Feeling Dizzy, Sit Your Ass Down’
Richie tried to lighten the mood as he explained why he had taken a seat.
“What I have learned about my years of being in the business,” he told the audience. “When you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your ass down!”
Scroll to continue reading
The crowd applauded as Richie continued the performance from his chair before adding another joke.
“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,” he said. “That’s a bad sign, y’all.”
Despite appearing determined to continue, Richie later performed “Three Times a Lady” while seated behind a piano before the concert came to an unexpected halt.
Concert Ends Early
Following an intermission, saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to the stage to address the audience.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Soldo told concertgoers. “He won’t be able to continue with the show. And additional information will be available. Thank you for your patience, and your understanding.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, local authorities confirmed that an adult male was transported from the arena to a St. Paul-area hospital following the concert. Page Six, citing local officials, identified the individual as Richie.
Neither Richie, his representatives, nor Live Nation has publicly commented on his condition at the time of publication.
Questions About the Tour
Richie’s “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour with Earth, Wind & Fire is scheduled to visit 26 cities across North America.
His next performance is slated for Friday in Chicago, though it remains unclear whether the show will proceed as scheduled.
Fans on social media quickly flooded comment sections with messages of concern and well wishes, praising Richie for listening to his body rather than trying to push through the performance.
For now, supporters are hoping the health scare was only a temporary setback and that one of music’s most enduring performers will soon be back on stage.
(If You Like/Appreciate This EURweb Story, Please SHARE it!)
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Lionel Richie Files Voice Trademark Applications as AI Concerns Grow
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
