Alexa Ray Joel collapsed on stage during her sold-out show at Café Carlyle on Saturday night.
The singer-songwriter was immediately taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital’s emergency room, where she was diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, one of the most common causes of fainting.
Joel, 28, had told audience members that she was feeling ill and had pulled out her back and neck, but wanted the show to go on, before she collapsed.
“I wanted to thank everyone for coming out to support me. I was excited and determined to fulfill my final performance and I really wanted to end my run with a bang, but this was not what I had in mind and hope I have the opportunity to make it up to the wonderful audience very soon. Thanks for all the concern,” Joel said in a statement Monday.
Vasovagal syncope causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which leads to reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness. The condition is usually harmless and requires no treatment.
The daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley was performing her closing-night engagement at Café Carlyle on Saturday after a two-week run. Her dramatically changed appearance forced her to deny rumors of extensive plastic surgery.
In 2009, Joel was rushed to St. Vincent’s Hospital after a reported suicide attempt when she reportedly ingested an excessive amount of homeopathic pills. The incident occurred after a breakup with a former boyfriend named Jimmy Riot, and Joel posted online at the time, “I don’t like dating!!! Wish I could be in a relationship again without having to date. I HATE going out!!”
She also reportedly passed out at a gig once before, in 2006 before going on stage at Marist College. She posted at the time, “I ended up fainting from stress, lack of sleep and just overall exhaustion.”