Lionel Richie is expected to return to the stage Tuesday night after postponing two concerts following a health scare during a performance in Minnesota, with his former wife reassuring fans that the legendary singer is recovering well.
Richie, 77, is scheduled to resume his Sing a Song All Night Long tour alongside Earth, Wind and Fire in Pittsburgh after doctors advised him to rest following an episode of dizziness during a concert last week.
The singer was performing his hit song “Dancing on the Ceiling” at the Grand Casino in Minnesota when he suddenly became dizzy and sat down on stage to continue the performance.
Addressing the audience during the show, Richie acknowledged he was not feeling well.
“What I have learned about my years in the business is when you are feeling dizzy, sit down,” he told concertgoers before joking that it was the first time he had performed “Dancing on the Ceiling” while seated.
After later returning to the piano to perform “Three Times a Lady,” Richie took an early intermission. A member of his band subsequently informed the audience that the concert would not continue.
Richie was later taken to a hospital as a precaution, TMZ reported. No serious medical condition has been publicly disclosed.
On the advice of his physicians, the Grammy Award winning performer postponed scheduled appearances in Chicago and Columbus to allow time for recovery.
A statement issued by tour promoter Live Nation said Richie was “heartbroken” by the decision but looked forward to returning to perform for fans.
“Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows,” the statement said, adding that rescheduled dates for the affected concerts would be announced later.
The update eased concerns among fans after Brenda Harvey Richie, the singer’s former wife, shared a message on X confirming that he was recovering.
“Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage,” she wrote.
She later reposted a fan’s message defending Richie’s decision to continue performing despite his recent health setback.
“He is iconic. He does NOT need anyone telling him when to quit,” the fan wrote, a sentiment Harvey Richie shared with her followers.
Richie and Harvey Richie were college sweethearts who married in 1975. During their marriage, they adopted daughter Nicole Richie before divorcing in 1993.
Representatives for Richie had not publicly commented beyond the tour announcement.
The current tour is expected to continue throughout the summer before concluding in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 14.
Richie first gained international recognition in the 1970s as a songwriter and co lead singer of the Commodores before launching one of the most successful solo careers in popular music.
His catalog includes chart topping hits such as “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Say You, Say Me” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
He also remains a familiar television personality through his long running role as a judge on “American Idol.”
Although Richie is returning to the stage after only a brief interruption, the incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on veteran touring artists.
Long performance schedules, frequent travel and demanding concert routines can increase the risk of fatigue and dehydration, particularly during summer tours.
Medical experts often recommend temporary rest following episodes of dizziness until underlying causes can be ruled out.
What we know so far
Lionel Richie experienced dizziness during a concert in Minnesota, prompting the performance to end early. He was evaluated at a hospital as a precaution and postponed two concerts on medical advice. He is now expected to resume his tour in Pittsburgh.
What authorities are saying
Live Nation said doctors advised Richie to rest before returning to the stage. Brenda Harvey Richie also reassured fans through social media that the singer was recovering and ready to perform again.
Why this matters
Richie remains one of the world’s most recognizable recording artists, and his health is closely followed by fans around the globe. His return to touring is welcome news after concerns arose following his unexpected hospitalization during the opening week of the tour.
What happens next
Richie is scheduled to continue the Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind and Fire through the summer, with postponed performances expected to be rescheduled at a later date.
Richie’s quick return suggests that the medical episode was likely manageable, though neither his representatives nor medical professionals have disclosed a specific diagnosis.
The incident highlights how veteran performers continue to balance demanding touring schedules with health considerations while maintaining strong fan support.
His decision to postpone performances rather than continue touring immediately reflects a growing emphasis within the live entertainment industry on prioritizing artist health and safety over maintaining uninterrupted schedules.
Story sources: The Independent, Entertainment Weekly and TMZ
