Michael Jackson Rushed To Hospital Singer Collapsed During Rehearsal For Upcoming Show

Michael Jackson collapsed on stage Wednesday while rehearsing for a national television special and was hospitalized suffering from apparent dehydration.

Jackson was in stable condition at Beth Israel Medical Center North where he was undergoing tests. The hospital said he was being held overnight, and provided no additional information.

Jackson’s sister Janet rushed to his bedside. She left the hospital a few hours later without speaking to reporters.

The whereabouts of Jackson’s wife, Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson, were not known. Her spokesman, Lee Solters, who also represents Michael Jackson, did not return a telephone call seeking comment.

Emergency workers found a semiconscious Jackson lying on the side of the stage when they arrived at the Beacon Theater shortly after 5 p.m., Emergency Medical Service technician Kevin Barwick said.

“He was lethargic. He was speaking slowly, mumbling,” said Barwick, who treated the pop star.

The 37-year-old singer appeared dehydrated and was treated with oxygen and intravenous fluids before being taken to the hospital, EMS technician Lashunn Knight said.

EMS spokeswoman Marie Lamberti said Jackson had low blood pressure, measured at 70 over 40. A typical healthy reading would be 120 over 80.

Jackson had been scheduled to appear Wednesday night at the Billboard Music Awards. Tina Turner accepted the Billboard Hot 100 Award for career achievement on Jackson’s behalf, saying she “wished for him a speedy recovery, from all of us.”

Janet Jackson also missed the show. Shaquille O’Neal, who was to present her with the Artist’s Achievement Award, accepted on her behalf, saying she was “chilling with Michael.”