ST. PAUL, MN. (THECOUNT) — Lionel Richie was rushed to a hospital Wednesday night after becoming ill while performing during the opening show of his North American tour at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to multiple reports.
Richie is 77.
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The music icon was performing alongside legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire as part of their newly launched “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour when he reportedly began experiencing dizziness midway through the concert.
According to TMZ, Richie told the audience he was feeling “dizzy” and “strange” while performing his 1986 hit “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Rather than immediately leaving the stage, he sat down on a riser and continued singing before joking with the crowd, “When you’re feeling dizzy… sit your ass down.”
The Grammy-winning singer then moved to his piano and attempted to continue the performance with “Three Times a Lady.” Shortly afterward, he announced an unscheduled intermission and exited the stage.
Approximately 40 minutes later, Richie’s longtime saxophonist, Dino Soldo, returned to inform concertgoers that the show had been canceled because the singer was too ill to continue.
TMZ reported that paramedics evaluated Richie backstage before transporting him by ambulance to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure. His representatives have not publicly disclosed his condition or the specific cause of the medical episode.
Lionel Richie was rushed to a hospital after falling ill onstage Wednesday night in the middle of his concert, TMZ has learned 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WDRh7ZmWsR
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 25, 2026
According to People, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris said Richie did not appear ill before taking the stage. Paris reportedly suggested dehydration may have played a role, although that has not been confirmed by Richie’s management or medical personnel.
The unexpected health scare occurred on the opening night of Richie’s 2026 North American tour, a multi-city run scheduled to visit arenas across the United States and Canada over the coming weeks. The tour reunites Richie with Earth, Wind & Fire following the success of previous joint outings.
At this time, it remains unclear whether Richie’s hospitalization will impact upcoming performances. He is currently scheduled to perform Friday in the Chicago area, but no announcement regarding the status of that concert had been made as of Thursday.
Richie is one of the most successful recording artists in music history. Rising to fame as a member of the Commodores before launching a blockbuster solo career, he has sold more than 125 million records worldwide. His catalog includes enduring hits such as “Hello,” “All Night Long (All Night),” “Say You, Say Me,” “Stuck on You,” and “Endless Love.”
In addition to his recording career, Richie has become a familiar television personality through his longtime role as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol,” introducing his music to a new generation of fans.
Fans quickly flooded social media with messages of concern following news that the concert had been cut short, with many expressing hope for a speedy recovery and awaiting an official update from Richie’s camp.
Neither Richie’s representatives nor tour officials have released additional information regarding his condition.
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