Lionel Richie cuts opening night concert short after feeling dizzy onstage

Lionel Richie’s opening night performance Wednesday in Saint Paul, Minnesota — the first stop on his joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire — was cut short after he told the audience he was feeling dizzy, according to videos circulating on social media.

Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription

Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.

In one clip posted on X , Richie was performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he sat down on the stage. He then stood up and walked a few feet before sitting down again while continuing to sing.

In another video posted on Instagram , he addressed the crowd at Grand Casino Arena directly.

“What I have learned about my years of being in the busy, when you are feeling dizzy, sit yo a—down,” he said. “And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit yo a—down. Now, I want you to know that’s the first time in the history of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ I’ve done it sitting down. That’s a bad sign, that’s a bad sign, y’all.”

Shortly after, a man came onstage and announced that Richie was not feeling well and would not continue the show.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the man said. “Safe travels home, everyone.”

NBC News reached out to Richie’s representative for comment.

Hours before the show, Richie shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram from rehearsal and sound check.

“Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you’re up!!!” he wrote in the caption.

Richie is co-headlining the “Sing A Song All Night Long Tour” with the band Earth, Wind & Fire. The next scheduled stop is Friday in Chicago.