Emily Zemler
View all posts by Emily Zemler June 25, 2026
Lionel Richie performing in May 2026 Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Acrisure Amphitheater Lionel Richie ended his set at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, early after falling ill. The musician announced an unexpected intermission about 55 minutes into the performance, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Richie, 77, explained to the audience that he was feeling dizzy and that’s why he had performed his hit “Dancing on the Ceiling” while seated on the stage. “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he said.
Because he was feeling dizzy and strange, @lionelrichie performed Dancing on the Ceiling sitting down on opening night @grandcasarena pic.twitter.com/5LYk5unI9s
— Jon Bream (@jonbream) June 25, 2026
After performing “Three Times a Lady” at the piano, Richie called for an intermission and left the stage. His band remained for another 15 minutes before also exiting. Forty minutes later, around 10:50 p.m., saxophonist Dino Soldo emerged and thanked the audience for their patience. “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
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 performance marked the opening night of Richie’s joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. Earth, Wind & Fire’s drummer, John Paris, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Richie hadn’t shown any signs of illness before the show.
