Duncan Sheik, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter best known for his 1996 hit "Barely Breathing," has been hospitalized and is in "critical but stable condition," his family announced Wednesday.
In a statement posted on Sheik's official Instagram page, his family shared that he is "currently receiving medical care." They requested privacy during this "incredibly difficult time" and stated that further medical details would not be shared. "Thank you for the continued love and support," the message concluded.
Sheik, 56, achieved mainstream success with "Barely Breathing," which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1998. The song has been featured in television shows such as "Girls" and "Glee."
Beyond his solo music career, which includes nine studio albums, Sheik has also made significant contributions to musical theater. He wrote the music for the 2006 Broadway production "Spring Awakening," earning two Tony Awards in 2007 for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations. He later wrote the music and lyrics for the 2016 Broadway adaptation of "American Psycho."
In a 2015 interview with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Sheik described his daily routine, which included physical activity, Buddhist chanting, and working in his home studio. He reflected on the enduring popularity of "Barely Breathing," calling its success "life-changing" success as a radio hit. He also expressed fondness for the cast of the original "Spring Awakening," noting the camaraderie during its development.