Lionel Richie’s long‑awaited Sing Along All Night Long tour got off to an unexpectedly rocky start on Wednesday night. The legendary performer was forced to abandon the show less than an hour after taking the stage.

Falling Ill

BREAKING: Lionel Ritchie concert in St Paul at Grand Casino Arena canceled mid-show. Ritchie sat down on stage during “Dancing on the Ceiling”, said he felt dizzy. Performed one more song at piano, “Three Times a Lady”, then announced unplanned intermission. Did not return. pic.twitter.com/RNalkYHnmG

— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) June 25, 2026

The 77‑year‑old singer was performing at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, he suddenly appeared unsteady and told the audience he needed to sit down.

Fans initially thought the moment was part of the performance, but Richie quickly made it clear he wasn’t feeling well. While attempting to continue with Dancing on the Ceiling, he lowered himself onto a platform and admitted he was experiencing dizziness.

In an effort to keep the crowd at ease, he joked about performing while seated. Then Richie moved to a piano for a stripped‑back rendition of “Three Times a Lady.”

What began as a brief pause soon turned into a much longer interruption. Richie stepped backstage, leaving his band to hold the stage for roughly 15 minutes before they, too, exited as pre‑recorded music filled the arena.

Audience members waited for nearly 40 minutes. Saxophonist Dino Soldo then emerged to explain that Richie was too unwell to return and the show would not continue.

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Earth, Wind, and Fire drummer John Paris later said Richie had seemed perfectly fine earlier in the day. He suggested “a little dehydration” may have been the culprit. The singer had shown no outward signs of illness before the concert began.

Upcoming Tour Dates Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The night was intended to be the celebratory launch of a 26‑date run across North America, with Earth, Wind, and Fire joining Richie for the full tour. The schedule includes major cities such as Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The US leg is set to wrap in Austin on August 14.

Despite the abrupt ending, the tour is still slated to move forward. Richie’s next performance is scheduled for Chicago on Friday. After the North American dates, the singer is booked for additional shows in Malta and the UK before returning to the US for a St. Louis date and then heading to Brazil for a December performance in São Paulo.