Music legend Lionel Richie was hospitalized in an intensive care unit in St. Louis after experiencing another health scare following a weekend performance, marking the second time in just over two months that the singer has required medical attention after taking the stage.
Richie, 77, checked himself into a local hospital after performing Saturday night at The Muny in Forest Park. Doctors admitted the singer for additional testing, with dehydration reportedly being investigated as a possible cause.
The latest episode came after audience members noticed Richie appearing to struggle toward the end of Saturday’s performance.
During the final song of the night, “All Night Long,” Richie reportedly asked his team to bring him a chair so he could finish the concert while seated.
Despite the apparent difficulties, Richie managed to remain on his feet for nearly the entire performance before sitting down during the finale.
The singer had already addressed his recent health problems with the audience earlier in the St. Louis show, revealing that unexplained issues during his tour had caused concern.
“Some things have been happening on this tour that kind of shook me up a little bit, because I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on,” Richie told the crowd.
Richie said he returned to his doctor in search of an explanation and was told dehydration appeared to be responsible.
The singer reportedly drank electrolytes throughout Saturday’s concert in an attempt to remain hydrated, even joking with fans about the taste.
The hospitalization comes a little more than two months after Richie suffered a separate health scare during the opening night of his “Sing A Song All Night Long” tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
During the June 24 performance in St. Paul, Minnesota, Richie became dizzy while onstage.
He eventually performed “Dancing on the Ceiling” from a seated position before telling the crowd that he was feeling strange.
Richie initially attempted to continue the concert, but he eventually left the stage before completing the show.
His saxophonist, Dino Soldo, later returned to the stage and informed the audience that Richie was not feeling well and would be unable to finish the performance.
Paramedics met Richie backstage following that incident and transported him to a hospital as a precaution.
The health scare forced Richie to postpone scheduled performances in Chicago and Columbus after doctors advised him to rest.
Richie later returned to touring and reassured fans in early July that his condition had improved.
“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” Richie wrote at the time. “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
His return to the stage continued through Saturday’s St. Louis appearance, though the latest episode demonstrated that the health issue has remained something the veteran performer is managing while touring.
Richie has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades, first rising to international fame as a member of the Commodores before becoming one of the most successful solo performers of his generation, per Trending Politics.
His catalog includes major hits such as “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Dancing on the Ceiling” and “Say You, Say Me.” Richie has also introduced himself to a younger generation of viewers through his role as a judge on “American Idol.”
Despite his admission to the ICU, the initial outlook surrounding Richie’s latest hospitalization appeared encouraging.
Sources told TMZ that Richie and his doctors were exercising caution while conducting additional testing and that slight dehydration was being considered as a potential explanation for the episode.
The singer was reportedly hoping to be released from the hospital Tuesday, suggesting doctors may not expect an extended stay.
Richie’s representatives had not publicly commented on the hospitalization as of Monday afternoon.
The latest health scare follows a turbulent stretch of touring for the 77-year-old performer, who has now experienced two incidents requiring hospital evaluation since late June.
