Lionel Richie halts show midway after suffering health crisis

Lionel Richie was forced to halt the opening show of his new tour after suddenly becoming unwell during his performance on June 24. The 77-year-old graced the stage at the Grand Casino Arena in St Paul, Minnesota, for his joint Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. 

However, following his performance of “Three Times A Lady” from his piano, the singer announced an unforeseen intermission. Lionel’s band left the stage shortly afterward, and around 40 minutes later, one member returned to inform the audience that the singer would not be able to continue the show due to illness.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” said saxophonist Dino Soldo, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

© Kevin Mazur

Following the concert, fans flocked to social media to react to the news. Videos from the performance appeared online, showing the singer sitting down several times during his second-to-last song, “Dancing on the Ceiling”. According to reports, he also told the crowd he was feeling “dizzy” while on stage.

Announced in January, the latest run of the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour features 26 dates, kicking off with Wednesday’s concert in Minnesota. Lionel Rand Earth, Wind & Fire are set to perform in major cities including New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles before wrapping up the tour in Austin, Texas, on August 14. The Sing a Song All Night Long Tour kickstarted in 2023, followed by an additional tour in 2024.

“Thank you to everyone in my band and crew for all the hard work, dedication, and long hours getting us ready for this tour,” penned the singer in an Instagram Story ahead of the show. “It takes an incredible team behind the scenes to make it all happen, and I’m grateful for each and every one of you. Saint Paul, here we come.”

© Getty Images for Acrisure Amphit

Lionel Richie’s family

Away from the stage, Lionel is a doting father to three kids – Nicole Richie, Miles Brockman Richie and Sofia Richie. Back in October, Sofia announced that she and her husband, Elliot Grainge, were expecting their second child.

© GC Images

The 27-year-old took to Instagram to share the news, which coincided with the launch of her new fashion label, SRG, in partnership with Revolve. “On my way to launch these babies + @srgatelier,” Sofia wrote in the caption, alongside a snap of her in a brown polka-dot zip-up sweater and black trousers, with her shirt pulled up to showcase her growing baby bump.

The couple welcomed their son, Henry Cecil Grainge, in March. They are also parents to a daughter called Eloise. “Henry Cecil Grainge 03/18/26,” Sofia wrote in her caption. “Loves of my life.”