Minnelli collapses in Sweden

Singer and actress Liza Minnelli collapsed on stage during a performance in Sweden and was rushed back to the United States for medical treatment, concert organisers said today.

She was performing in a Christmas show yesterday in Gothenburg, but collapsed as she walked off stage after finishing her fourth song.

"As she walked down the steps, she passed out. She was taken immediately to her hotel where a doctor was waiting,'' a spokesman for the show said.

He said Minnelli was flown to the United States today on the advice of her doctors there.

"They decided together with her management that it's best for Liza to go to the US right away.

"She had felt a bit dizzy before she got up on stage,'' but decided to proceed with the show anyway, the spokesman said.

Minnelli's spokeswoman confirmed that the artist "had complained of dizziness'' before the show and "became very ill after the show began.''

"As a result, she was unable to finish her performance and was rushed back to her hotel by her manager.''

Minnelli was performing alongside several Swedish artists in a show called "A Classic Christmas Night.''