Lionel Richie, 77, made a vibrant return to the stage, declaring "I'm back!" and dispelling concerns over his health following a series of hospitalizations and concert cancellations. The "All Night Long" singer resumed his residency at The Wynn in Las Vegas on Wednesday, energetically performing and assuring the audience he was "doing just fine."
Richie playfully dedicated the show to himself, joking about celebrating "Lionel Richie" for the entire week. He showcased his stamina, dancing on stage and quipping about the physical exertion. "I don't know where I was, but I'm back!" he announced to the crowd.
The health issues that prompted cancellations earlier in the year included a hospitalization for atrial fibrillation treatment, a condition involving an irregular heartbeat. In September, a representative confirmed Richie had undergone a common procedure for AFib, stating it went "perfectly" and that he would "take some time off and will be back on stage soon."
Prior to the AFib treatment, Richie experienced other health incidents. In August, he was admitted to an ICU in St. Louis after falling ill following a show, undergoing tests for cardiac-related issues. In June, he felt dizzy and sat down on stage mid-performance in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was subsequently transported to the hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure. This led to the postponement of two concerts.
Richie addressed his health indirectly during the Wednesday performance, humorously discussing his newfound preference for "electrolytes" over water, a change inspired by a doctor's advice after he felt dizzy. He also made light of the difficulty in finding safe food sources.
Despite concerns from loved ones about prioritizing work over his health, Richie has expressed his eagerness to return to performing. He previously shared his disappointment about postponing shows and looked forward to being back on stage for his fans.