Lionel Richie Postpones More Shows After Cutting Opening Night Short Due to Illness: ‘Heartbroken’

Lionel Richie has postponed two more shows after he was forced to cut the opening night of his tour short due to illness.

Live Nation Chicago and the United Center in Chicago posted statements via their official Instagram accounts to announce the singer, 77, had temporarily pulled the plug on his upcoming shows in Illinois and Ohio.

“Under advisement by doctors to relst and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH,” the statement uploaded on Thursday, June 25, read. “He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans.”

The statement promised to share any further updates regarding new dates for the performances.

 “We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon,” the statement concluded.

Posting via the comments section, concerned fans sent their well wishes to Richie.

“Wishing Lionel a speedy recovery!! 💐🙏🏾,” wrote one follower, while another added, “We definitely will wait ❤️❤️❤️ feel better.”

Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “I would rather shows be canceled than to have his health worsen.”

Earlier this week, Richie was forced to prematurely end the opening night of the 2026 leg of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour coheadlined by Earth, Wind & Fire.

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Richie was on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday, June 24, when he began feeling dizzy and stopped the set just under an hour into the performance.

At the concert, Richie performed his hit song “Dancing on the Ceiling” while sitting down due to feeling unwell.

“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he said, noting that he’d never performed the song while seated before.

He then performed “Three Times a Lady” while sitting at a grand piano before announcing a surprise “intermission” and exiting the stage, per the report.

The Star Tribune reported that 40 minutes after Richie left the stage, Richie’s saxophonist Dino Soldo updated fans.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” said the musician. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

Us Weekly has reached out to the singer’s representative for comment.