Lionel Richie cancels shows after heart procedure: ‘Will be back on stage soon'
The four-time Grammy winner and "American Idol" judge will take some time off from performing after a procedure for atrial fibrillation, his rep says.
by Jonathan Lloyd · 5 NBCDFWSinger Lionel Richie is doing well after the Grammy-winning artist underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation, according to his representative.
Richie, 77, will be taking time off but is expected to be performing again soon after recovering from the procedure, his rep said.
"Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation," the rep said in a statement Tuesday. "The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon."
The four-time Grammy winner and "American Idol" judge was in the middle of a tour with Earth, Wind & Fire when he was hospitalized. Three performances — dates in San Francisco, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio — were canceled.
In June, the tour's opening night show was halted after Richie told the audience he was feeling dizzy, according to videos on social media.
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder. Known as AFib, it can lead to blood clots in the heart and increased risk of stroke, heart failure and other heat problems. Normal heart rhythm can be restored through a medical procedure.
This story originally appeared on NBCLosAngeles.com.