Lionel Richie HOSPITALIZED after falling ill on stage; singer cuts the opening night of the tour – WATCH |

Music icon Lionel Richie was forced to abruptly end the opening night of his 26-city US tour after falling ill on stage.The 77-year-old singer, who performed on Thursday in St. Paul, appeared to be struggling as he performed his hit songs at the Grand Casino Arena after being on stage for about an hour. Videos shared on social media showed Richie sitting down several times during the performance.

Lionel Richie sits on stage in the middle of the performance

According to TMZ, the star addressed the audience saying, “What I’ve learned from my years in the business. When you feel dizzy, sit on your ass. And when you feel weird about yourself, sit on your ass!” He even sat down at the piano to perform ‘Three Times a Lady’.

Lionel Richie ‘will not be able to continue’

According to Page Six, the singer announced an intermission. After about 40 minutes, Richie’s saxophonist Dino Soldo informed the audience that the show would not go on. “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Soldo said. “He will not be able to continue. Additional information will become available.”

Lionel Richie ‘passed out’ in the middle of the concert

According to Entertainment Weekly, the PIO of the St. Paul, Jamie Smith, told EW via email that “an adult male was transported” to “a local hospital” after Richie was admitted on stage after feeling “lightheaded” during the performance.

Lionel Richie shares his excitement about his tour

Before taking the stage to perform for his fans, Richie shared his excitement to kick off the tour in an Instagram post that read: “Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Show tonight. Saint Paul, you’re in!!!”Thursday’s performance was the opening night of Richie’s US tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The 26-date tour is scheduled to continue with a performance at Chicago’s United Center on Friday. However, it is still unclear whether Richie will be well enough to return to the stage.