Print
Close
Lionel Richie abruptly cuts concert short after falling ill during opening night of tour
By Stephanie Giang-Paunon
Published June 25, 2026
Lionel Richie was forced to abruptly cancel his performance mid-show on the opening night of his tour.
The 77-year-old singer was nearly an hour into his concert at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, when fans noticed a change in Richie.
While performing his upbeat classic "Dancing on the Ceiling," Richie paused and took a seat on a platform before later revealing to the crowd that he was feeling dizzy, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
During the concert disruption, Richie made a lighthearted comment to the roaring crowd, appearing fatigued.
BRANDY ABRUPTLY ENDS CONCERT MID-PERFORMANCE DUE TO DEHYDRATION
Lionel Richie reportedly felt dizzy while performing "Dancing on the Ceiling" in Minnesota, cutting his tour opening night short. (Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
"When you're feeling dizzy, sit your a-- down," he joked.
In a fan video, Richie reportedly transitioned to the piano, where he delivered a seated performance of "Three Times a Lady." Shortly afterward, he stepped away for what audience members initially believed would be a brief intermission.
ROD STEWART 'DEVASTATED' OVER MULTIPLE CONCERT CANCELLATIONS AS ILLNESS THREATENS TOUR DATES
Lionel Richie performs with the Commodores in the United Kingdom. (Mike Prior/Redferns)
Fans waited nearly 40 additional minutes before receiving an official update, according to the media outlet.
Richie's saxophonist addressed the audience, thanking concertgoers for their patience before explaining that the singer was feeling unwell and would not be able to continue the show.
Lionel Richie's saxophonist eventually told the audience that the singer was feeling unwell and would not be able to continue the show. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
The concert interruption came after Richie shared his excitement on social media ahead of the tour kickoff.
"Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you're up!!!" Richie wrote on Instagram alongside photos from backstage and rehearsals.
John Paris, the drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire, said Richie showed no signs of illness prior to his performance. Paris added that the "American Idol" judge later explained he felt "a little dehydrated," according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Lionel Richie is currently slated to return to the stage Friday in Chicago. (Getty Images)
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Fan videos began to circulate online showing the moment the "All Night Long" singer took a break during his concert.
The concert had been scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes but ended about 55 minutes after it began.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Richie is currently slated to return to the stage Friday in Chicago before continuing the tour through major cities including Toronto, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The tour is scheduled to wrap up Aug. 14 in Austin, Texas.
Fox News Digital reached out to Richie's representatives for comment.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/lionel-richie-abruptly-cuts-concert-short-falling-ill-opening-night-tour