Lionel Richie returned to the stage nearly two months after undergoing a heart procedure. The 77-year-old singer addressed his recovery during his November 11 Las Vegas residency. However, some energetic dancing left him winded, prompting an unexpected electrolyte break.
Lionel Richie pauses for electrolytes during Las Vegas show following heart procedure
During his performance at Wynn Las Vegas, Richie reassured fans about his health, according to E! News. He repeatedly declared, “I’m back,” before joking about his unexpected absence.
“I don’t know where I was, but I’m back,” he told the audience. He reassured the audience, saying, “I’m doing just fine,” and thanked everyone for their concern. He then turned the show into a celebration of his return.
“I want to make it a tribute tonight, to me,” he exclaimed. Richie joked that he wanted to honor himself before someone else organized a tribute. He added, “This is gonna be a whole week of celebrating Lionel Richie.”
However, his energetic performance eventually left him winded. After dancing and jumping around the stage, he paused to catch his breath. “That was too much, that was beyond my electrolyte capabilities,” he admitted.
A crew member then brought him a glass of red electrolyte drink. Richie recalled learning about electrolytes after experiencing dizziness. He said someone had advised him to drink them instead of water.
“All these years, drinking water,” he joked. Richie also recalled his doctor’s advice to eat proper meals alongside drinking electrolytes. After the brief pause, he felt refreshed and resumed the show.
“Now that I feel refreshed,” he said as he approached his piano. He then continued the show, marking his energetic comeback after weeks away from the stage.
Richie returned to the stage less than two months after undergoing a heart procedure in September to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). At the time, his representative said, “The doctor said everything went perfectly,” and added that the singer was doing well.
