Megan Thee Stallion was taken to the hospital after experiencing severe illness while performing in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. She later shared on social media that she had been pushing herself beyond her limits recently.
According to a spokesperson speaking to Variety, the singer started feeling unwell during Tuesday’s show. An understudy filled in, and medical professionals determined that extreme exhaustion, dehydration, vasoconstriction, and low metabolic levels were the reasons for her condition. Megan Thee Stallion was discharged from the hospital and advised to rest.
The Grammy-winning rapper announced on Instagram that she would be taking a break from Wednesday’s performances to recover. She assured her fans that she would return to the stage on Thursday rejuvenated and prepared to give her all.
Reflecting on the incident, she admitted that she had been overexerting herself lately, pushing her body to its limits. She described feeling scared when she thought she might faint on stage and acknowledged that her body had reached its breaking point.
Megan Thee Stallion made her Broadway debut as nightclub impresario Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. She was set to finish her eight-week stint on May 17. Noteworthy individuals who previously portrayed Zidler include Boy George, Wayne Brady, Tituss Burgess, and Bob the Drag Queen.
Being the first female artist to take on the role of MC in a professional production of the musical worldwide, Megan Thee Stallion expressed her excitement about exploring the world of theater and embracing the challenges it presents. She emphasized the different level of dedication and storytelling demanded by Broadway, underscoring her readiness to showcase a new aspect of herself to her fans.
In the realm of music, instances of artists being hospitalized due to exhaustion are not uncommon. In 2016, the late Kiss lead guitarist Ace Frehley had to cancel a show in New York for the same reason. Justin Bieber collapsed backstage during a London concert in 2013 but managed to finish the show after receiving medical attention. Additionally, in 2001, Mariah Carey sought treatment for extreme exhaustion attributed to her hectic work schedule.
Scheduled to conclude its seven-year run on July 26, Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings to life the atmosphere of a Parisian nightclub at the turn of the century, featuring modern hits like Single Ladies and Firework, alongside the classic favorite Lady Marmalade.