Lionel Richie’s Circle ‘Urging Him to Slow Down’ After Unexpected Onstage Health Scare

It’s no surprise that those closest to Lionel Richie are worried about the legendary singer after he had to finish a show early because he was feeling unwell.

After the 77-year-old cut his performance short on Wednesday, June 24, when he experienced a dizzy spell, a report in journalist Rob Shuter‘s Naughty But Nice Substack claimed that people in Richie’s circle want him to take it easy.

“The people closest to Lionel have been worried for a while,” a source said in the Friday, June 26, report, adding that the singer’s opening night of the Sing A Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire wasn’t simply “an off night.”

“They’ve been urging him to slow down,” the source continued, “but he keeps insisting he’s fine.”

As seen in video footage posted to X, the American Idol judge was seated at one point during his performance and told the audience that what he’s “learned about my years of being in the business” is to sit down “when you are feeling dizzy.”

Later, his saxophonist, Dino Soldo, announced to fans, “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won’t be able to continue with the show. And additional information will be available. Thank you for your patience and your understanding.”

Still, “Lionel believes performing keeps him young,” an insider told Shuter. “His family believes it’s what’s wearing him down. Right now, they’re having two completely different conversations.”

A second Naughty But Nice insider said that the “stage is where Lionel feels most alive,” adding: “He honestly can’t imagine life without performing. The problem is his family is starting to wonder if performing is asking too much of his body.”

However, a second source admitted that Richie’s three children and his other loved ones “don’t want to lose him,” explaining: “They’d rather have him home making memories with his family than proving he can still fill arenas.”

Added the second source, “He’s got nothing left to prove.”