Lionel Richie has returned to the stage after illness forced him to postpone two concerts.Reassuring fans he is recovering as he resumed his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, Lionel, 77, shared a message of thanks after performing in Pittsburgh and Detroit, following a health scare that brought the opening week of his North American tour to an unexpected halt.The singer confirmed his return in an Instagram post on Saturday after doctors advised him to rest and postpone scheduled performances in Chicago, Illinois, and Columbus, Ohio. The concerts had been delayed after Lionel was unable to complete the opening night of the tour in St Paul, Minnesota, when he became unwell during his performance. He has not disclosed the nature of his illness. Updating fans after returning to the stage, Lionel wrote: “Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love.“I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”He added: “Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd … we made real memories together. See you in Toronto … let’s party all night long.”Lionel continues to tour alongside Earth, Wind and Fire as part of the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, which celebrates a catalogue spanning more than five decades. The comeback comes as the Grammy-winning performer continues to enjoy renewed popularity through sold-out arena tours and a long-running role as a judge on American Idol, while classics including Hello, All Night Long (All Night), Say You, Say Me and Dancing on the Ceiling remain staples of his live performances.Before returning to the stage, promoters announced Richie had postponed two performances after receiving medical advice to rest. In a statement shared by Live Nation Chicago and the United Center on Instagram, organisers said: “Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26, in Chicago, IL, and Saturday, June 27, in Columbus, OH.“He and Earth, Wind and Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back to performing for his fans.”According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Lionel had been performing Dancing on the Ceiling during the opening night of the tour in St Paul when he began feeling dizzy and took a seat on stage before leaving the performance early. Around 40 minutes later, saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to address the audience.Dino said: “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well.“He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”Lionel first found worldwide success as the lead singer and songwriter with the Commodores before launching one of the most successful solo careers in popular music. His catalogue includes chart-topping hits such as Endless Love, recorded with Diana Ross, Easy, Truly and Stuck on You. Away from music, Lionel has introduced himself to a new generation of viewers through American Idol, where he has served as a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood, having previously shared the panel with Katy Perry.