Lionel Richie’s performance Wednesday in St. Paul, Minnesota — the first stop on his joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire — was cut short after he told the audience he was feeling dizzy, according to videos circulating on social media.
In a clip posted on X, Richie, who turned 77 last week, was performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he sat down on the stage. He then stood up and walked a few feet before he sat down again while continuing to sing.
In another video posted on Instagram, he addressed the crowd at Grand Casino Arena directly.
“What I have learned about my years of being in the busy, when you are feeling dizzy, sit yo a-- down,” he said. “And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit yo a-- down. Now, I want you to know that’s the first time in the history of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ I’ve done it sitting down. That’s a bad sign, that’s a bad sign, y’all.”
Shortly afterward, a man went onstage and announced that Richie was not feeling well and would not continue the show.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the man said. “Safe travels home, everyone.”
Richie postponed his next two shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, “under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health,” the venues, United Center and the Schott, said in identical statements.
“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans,” the venues said on X.
Rescheduled dates will be announced, and Richie’s next appearance will be in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, according to the venues.
NBC News reached out to Richie’s representative for comment.
Hours before the show, Richie shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram from rehearsal and the sound check.
“Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you’re up!!!” he wrote in the caption.
Richie is co-headlining the Sing A Song All Night Long Tour with the band Earth, Wind & Fire. The next scheduled stop is Friday in Chicago.
