Legendary singer Lionel Richie was unable to complete the opening night of his co-headlining tour Wednesday after experiencing sudden dizziness on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The 77-year-old Grammy winner left the stage approximately 55 minutes into what was expected to be a 90-minute performance at the Xcel Energy Center. The concert marked the launch of the 2026 leg of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour alongside Earth, Wind & Fire.
Richie initially attempted to power through the discomfort, performing his 1986 hit "Dancing on the Ceiling" while seated. He addressed the crowd with characteristic humor, telling fans, "When you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down." The veteran performer noted it was the first time he had delivered the upbeat track from a seated position.
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The "Hello" singer continued the set while seated at a grand piano, performing the ballad "Three Times a Lady." However, he later announced an unexpected intermission and exited the stage. The band continued playing briefly before following their frontman off stage.
The interruption left fans waiting for approximately 40 minutes before saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to deliver disappointing news.
"Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well," Soldo told the audience. "He won't be able to continue. Additional information will be available."
The concert was officially cut short, with no further performance from Richie or Earth, Wind & Fire. The venue did not provide immediate details about whether refunds would be issued or if the show would be rescheduled.
Richie had been scheduled to perform a 90-minute set as part of the highly anticipated tour, which features the two iconic acts sharing the stage. The tour represents a major undertaking for the 77-year-old entertainer, who has maintained an active touring schedule well into his seventh decade.
The singer has not publicly addressed the incident as of Thursday morning, and representatives have not released additional statements regarding his condition. Fans who attended the show expressed concern on social media while also praising Richie for attempting to continue performing despite experiencing discomfort.
This is not the first time health concerns have impacted the singer's tour schedule. Richie has previously faced medical issues that required him to adjust performances, though he has consistently maintained a rigorous touring schedule throughout his career.
The "All Night Long" singer has remained active in the entertainment industry, recently participating in various television appearances and charity events. His catalog of hits spans decades, making him one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history with multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award to his name.
Earth, Wind & Fire, co-headliners on the tour, have not commented on the situation. The band, known for classic hits including "September" and "Boogie Wonderland," was expected to share the stage with Richie for the duration of the tour.
Ticket holders at the Xcel Energy Center were left uncertain about next steps as the venue's staff assisted with an orderly exit following the cancellation announcement. No further information regarding future tour dates or Richie's health status has been released at this time.
The 2026 Sing a Song All Night Long Tour was scheduled to visit multiple cities across North America throughout the summer and fall. Industry observers and fans will be watching for updates regarding whether the remaining shows will proceed as planned.
Richie's career spans more than five decades, beginning with the Commodores and continuing through his extraordinarily successful solo career. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
The singer's ability to continue performing at 77 has been noted as remarkable within the music industry, where touring demands significant physical stamina even for younger artists. The incident highlights the physical toll that extensive touring can take on veteran performers.
Representatives for Richie have yet to provide a timeline for when additional information regarding his condition and the status of upcoming tour dates might be available. Fans and industry observers await further developments as the situation unfolds.