Lionel Richie, 77, remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit as medical professionals conduct tests for potential cardiac-related issues. The singer was admitted to a St. Louis, Missouri, hospital over the weekend after experiencing difficulty finishing a concert.
Richie reportedly sought medical attention after struggling to complete his performance at the Muny Amphitheater on Saturday. During the show, he requested a chair to sit while singing his hit song "All Night Long." The "American Idol" judge had previously addressed his health during the concert, telling the audience that he had been suffering from dehydration.
"Some things have been happening on this tour that kind of shook me up a little bit, because I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on," he told the crowd, according to the St. Louis American. "I went back to the doctor, and he said, ‘You are suffering from dehydration.’"
This recent hospitalization follows a similar incident in June, when Richie fell ill onstage during a concert at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, leading him to abruptly end the show. Videos from that event showed Richie, who is co-headlining a North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, sitting down multiple times while performing "Dancing on the Ceiling." At the time, he told the audience, "When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down," before leaving the stage. He subsequently canceled two concerts in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.
Richie had assured fans he was recovering well in an Instagram post on July 4, stating, "Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love. I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you." He has not yet commented on his current hospitalization. He is expected to be released on Wednesday.