Lionel Richie has been hospitalized in intensive care after appearing to struggle through the final moments of a concert in St. Louis — marking the music legend’s second alarming health scare in just over two months.
The 77-year-old “Hello” singer checked himself into a local hospital after performing Saturday night, Aug. 29, at The Muny in Forest Park, according to TMZ.
Doctors are reportedly running tests and investigating whether Richie may be suffering from slight dehydration. The hospitalization is said to be precautionary, and sources said he was hoping to be released as early as Tuesday, Sept. 1.
But what happened during Saturday’s concert has left fans concerned.
Witnesses said Richie appeared to be “struggling a bit” as the show neared its end. While performing his final song, the crowd favorite “All Night Long,” Richie reportedly asked members of his team to bring him a chair so he could finish the performance sitting down.
The frightening episode comes only weeks after Richie suffered another health scare onstage.
During a June 24 concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, Richie became dizzy and had difficulty continuing his performance.
While singing “Dancing on the Ceiling,” the veteran entertainer sat down and admitted to the audience that something did not feel right.
Richie even tried to lighten the mood, joking that after decades in show business, he had learned one important lesson: when you feel dizzy, sit down.
He continued performing from a seated position during portions of the show, including “Three Times a Lady,” before announcing an intermission.
His band remained onstage for roughly 15 minutes before leaving, and Richie was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Despite the scare, the famously energetic performer was back onstage just days later.
Richie returned for a June 30 concert at Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena, where he acknowledged that fans had been worried about him.
“I had you worried there for a minute, huh?” he told the crowd.
Days later, Richie also reassured followers on social media that he was doing well and thanked fans for their messages and support.
Now, however, Saturday night’s latest incident is renewing concerns about whether the longtime performer may be pushing himself too hard.
Richie has spent more than five decades in the spotlight, first finding fame with the Commodores before becoming one of the biggest solo stars of the 1980s with hits including “Hello,” “All Night Long,” “Say You, Say Me” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
He has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide and earned four Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
Sources previously claimed Richie’s loved ones have worried about his relentless schedule and desire to keep working.
According to RadarOnline, one insider said Richie’s family, friends and bandmates have been concerned about his health but know how difficult it would be to convince him to slow down.
The source described Richie as someone who is constantly working, traveling and thinking about his next performance — and suggested that even after another trip to the hospital, his focus will likely be on getting back onstage.
For now, however, doctors are reportedly keeping a close eye on the music icon as they determine exactly what caused his latest onstage struggle.
