Legendary American singer Lionel Richie has been hospitalised after cutting short a concert in Minnesota due to a medical emergency.
The 77-year-old music icon became unwell while performing on the opening night of his North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Grand Casino Arena.
Videos shared online showed Richie sitting down on stage during a performance after telling fans he was feeling dizzy.
Speaking to the audience, the Grammy Award-winning singer said, “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 then joked, “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 continued the concert by performing “Three Times a Lady” while seated at a piano before the show was paused unexpectedly.
Moments later, saxophonist Dino Soldo informed concertgoers that the singer would not be returning to the stage.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won’t be able to continue with the show,” Soldo said.
“And additional information will be available. Thank you for your patience, and your understanding.”
Local authorities confirmed that an adult male matching Richie’s description was taken from the venue to a nearby hospital after the incident.
Jamie Smith, Public Information Officer for the St. Paul Fire Department, said an adult male was transported to “a local hospital” after Richie reported feeling dizzy during the performance.
Richie’s representatives had not released an official update on his condition as of the time of filing this report.
The singer is currently on a 26-city North American tour alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, with another performance scheduled in Chicago.
It remains unclear whether the upcoming concert will go ahead following his hospitalisation.
