Lionel Richie Cancels Tour Dates After Second Heart Procedure in a Month

Music legend Lionel Richie is taking a break from the stage to prioritize his health. The 77-year-old "American Idol" judge underwent an atrial fibrillation ablation on Tuesday—marking his second heart-related procedure in just one month. The minimally invasive surgery was designed to restore a normal heart rhythm, and early reports are positive. A representative for the singer stated that Richie’s doctor reported “everything went perfectly” and confirmed the star is currently “doing great.”

The health update comes with a temporary cost for fans, as Richie has been forced to cancel three upcoming stops on his highly anticipated tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The affected shows include Saturday's performance in San Francisco, a September 30 date in Chicago, and an October 2 appearance in Columbus, Ohio.

This recent medical intervention follows a period of concern for the singer’s wellbeing. On August 29, Richie checked himself into an intensive care unit for three days following a concert in St. Louis. While doctors initially linked the hospitalization to slight dehydration and conducted cardiac-related tests, the singer reportedly struggled through his final song that night, requiring a team member to bring a chair onto the stage.

Richie’s health journey this year also included a scare in June, when a dizzy spell during a St. Paul, Minnesota, concert forced an early end to the show. Addressing the crowd with his signature wit at the time, Richie remarked, “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your a** down.” That incident similarly led to cancellations in Chicago and Columbus, though Richie later reassured his social media followers that he was on the mend. Despite the recent medical hurdles, the singer was spotted in Beverly Hills this past Saturday following his release from the ICU earlier this month. He is expected to return to the stage after a period of recovery.