Lionel Richie was taken to a local hospital after falling ill during the opening night of his North American tour in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday. The Saint Paul Fire Department confirmed that an adult male was transported from the arena.
During the concert at the Grand Casino Arena, the 77-year-old Grammy winner reportedly began to feel dizzy while performing "Dancing on the Ceiling." Videos shared online show Richie sitting down multiple times onstage and telling the crowd, "When you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down."
After taking an intermission, during which his band performed for the audience, saxophonist Dino Soldo addressed the crowd, announcing that the show would be canceled because Richie was "not feeling well" and would be unable to continue. Further information was promised.
Prior to the show, Richie had expressed his excitement for the tour's opening night on Instagram, sharing rehearsal and soundcheck photos and noting that he had celebrated his 77th birthday the previous Saturday with his tour crew. His next scheduled performance is in Chicago on Friday.
The current condition of Lionel Richie is unknown.