Lionel Richie has been hospitalized once again to address ongoing cardiac concerns, resulting in the cancellation of several upcoming performances.
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed Tuesday that the “All Night Long” singer is currently receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm.
Medical professionals are reportedly treating the 77-year-old performer with an AFib ablation. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to create small scars in the heart tissue to block irregular electrical signals, which helps the organ maintain a normal rhythm.
While the procedure is not considered major surgery, the recovery time necessitated an immediate change to the singer’s professional schedule. The health scare has forced the cancellation of at least three upcoming dates on the “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour, which features Richie alongside the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire. The affected shows include a Saturday performance in San Francisco, a September 30 date in Chicago and an October 2 appearance in Columbus, Ohio.
This latest incident marks Richie’s third hospitalization in the last three months, raising concerns among fans about the singer’s long-term health. In August, the “American Idol” judge checked himself into a St. Louis facility following a concert. During that stay, he spent three days in the intensive care unit undergoing a series of cardiac tests before being cleared to return home. The summer has been physically demanding for the Grammy winner, who first signaled health struggles during a June performance in St. Paul. Paramedics were called to the venue after Richie reportedly felt dizzy and “strange” mid-concert.
That performance was cut short as he was transported to a local hospital via ambulance for evaluation. Richie had recently been spotted in public following his August release, leading many to believe he was on the mend. However, the recurring nature of these heart issues suggests a more persistent condition that requires specialized medical intervention.
Representatives for the tour have not yet announced if the canceled dates will be rescheduled or if further cancellations are expected.
The “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour has been one of the year’s most anticipated nostalgic lineups, drawing massive crowds across North America.
