CONCERT COMES TO A SHOCKING STOP AS LIONEL RICHIE IS REPORTEDLY HOSPITALIZED AFTER ONSTAGE EMERGENCY CQ

Lionel Richie was hospitalized following a medical incident on stage that forced him to cut short a Minnesota concert on the opening night of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, Entertainment Weekly has learned.

After video circulated online Wednesday night showing the 77-year-old sitting down on stage to perform a rendition of “Dancing on the Ceiling,” local authorities tell EW that a man matching Richie’s description was hospitalized in the St. Paul area following an incident at the Grand Casino Arena, where he was performing.

St. Paul Fire Department PIO Jamie Smith tells EW via email that “an adult male was transported” to “a local hospital” following Richie’s on-stage admission that he felt “dizzy” during the performance.

EW has reached out to representatives for Richie for comment on the singer’s condition.

In footage from the concert, Richie was seen on stage at the Grand Casino Arena, telling the crowd he felt dizzy during the performance.

The Grammy-winning American Idol judge and “All Night Long” singer was also shown sitting down during a rendition of “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and eventually joked about it on stage.

“What I have learned about my years of being in the business. When you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your ass down!” he said into the microphone as attendees cheered.

He continued, joking, “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, y’all.”

After Richie sang another song, “Three Times a Lady,” while seated behind a piano, the concert took an unexpected intermission.

A member of the band, saxophonist Dino Soldo, eventually walked out and told concertgoers that Richie wouldn’t return to finish the planned performance.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won’t be able to continue with the show,” he said. “And additional information will be available. Thank you for your patience, and your understanding.”

Richie’s tour with Earth, Wind & Fire is set to roll out in 26 locations across North America, with the next scheduled performance slated for Friday night in Chicago.

There is no word yet on whether or not that performance will go forward amid news of Richie’s reported hospitalization, and EW has additionally reached out to tour company Live Nation for more information.