Lionel Richie Makes Abrupt Exit After Dizzy Spell On Stage, Cancels Rest Of Show
on Jun 25, 2026 • Updated Jun 26, 2026
Lionel Richie’s recent concert ended unexpectedly after the singer suddenly felt unwell.
On Wednesday night, June 24, Richie was taking the stage for the opening night of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, about an hour into the show, the 77-year-old called for an unplanned intermission.
Before the show was paused, Richie had already told the crowd that he was feeling dizzy.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, he even had to sit down while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Richie reportedly told the crowd it was the first time in his career he had needed to do that.
A video that’s been circulating online shows the moment when his dizziness became too much. In the clip, he’s seen taking a seat on the stage steps as he tries to collect himself.
Richie managed not to miss a beat as he continued to sing.
“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” Richie said to the crowd.
Because he was feeling dizzy and strange, @lionelrichie performed Dancing on the Ceiling sitting down on opening night @grandcasarena pic.twitter.com/5LYk5unI9s
— Jon Bream (@jonbream) June 25, 2026
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer pushed through to perform one more song. He then moved over to the grand piano on stage, took a seat, and began singing “Three Times a Lady.”
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Lionel Richie Cancels The Remainder Of His Show
After Richie left the stage, his band members reportedly remained there about 15 minutes before eventually exiting as well. During that time, recorded music played over the arena’s sound system while fans waited to see if the show would continue.
The unexpected intermission lasted around 40 minutes before Richie’s saxophonist, Dino Soldo, came out to explain what was going on.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he said, per Star Tribune. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
At this point, neither Richie nor his team has publicly commented on his abrupt exit. The North American leg of his tour is scheduled to travel through 26 cities, with Earth, Wind & Fire joining him as a supporting act.
***Update
Richie was scheduled to perform at the United Center in Chicago on Friday, June 26. However, following his recent health scare, he and his team have decided to postpone the show. His Saturday concert will also be moved to a different date.
The venue announced the news in a statement shared on its social media account. The post read:
“Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH. He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.”
SHOW UPDATE: Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL. pic.twitter.com/Is0nlyHuuL
— United Center (@UnitedCenter) June 25, 2026
