Alexa Ray Joel collapsed on stage at a sold-out show at the Café Carlyle on Saturday night. The singer-songwriter was immediately taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Emergency Room. After examination, doctors diagnosed Ms. Joel with Vasovagal Syncope, one of the most common causes of fainting. The Vasovagal Syncope trigger causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. That leads to reduced blood flow to the brain, which results in a brief loss of consciousness. Vasovagal Syncope is usually harmless and requires no treatment. Ms. Joel was taken ill earlier in the afternoon and announced from stage that she pulled out her back and neck, but wanted the show to go on.

Statement from Alexa Ray Joel:

“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.”

Alexa Ray Joel, the 28-year-old daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley, was performing her closing-night engagement at Café Carlyle on Saturday. Ms. Joel has been playing a sold-out, two-week run at the Upper East Side venue. At the Café Carlyle she came into her own. Already a proficient songwriter and singer, Ms. Joel’s performances were critically acclaimed. The New York Times said, “A singer confidently following her heart. Her original work is firmly grounded in a pop tradition in which streams converge, from gospel to Tin Pan Alley. The songs are bluntly melodic, lyrically direct and catchy.”

Photo: Alexa Ray Joel performs on stage at Café Carlyle on Saturday night. Photo by Jeff Schock