‘Barely Breathing’ singer Duncan Sheik hospitalised in critical but stable condition

Duncan Sheik’s family disclosed his condition in a statement posted on his Instagram on Wednesday, while asking for privacy and declining to provide further information about his medical condition. — Picture from Facebook/Duncan Sheik

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 3:08 PM MYT

LOS ANGELES, Sept 18 — Duncan Sheik, the singer behind 1996 hit Barely Breathing and composer of Broadway musical Spring Awakening, is in hospital in critical but stable condition, his family said.

The Hollywood Reporter said Sheik’s family disclosed his condition in a statement posted on his Instagram on Wednesday, while asking for privacy and declining to provide further information about his medical condition.

“Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing any further medical details at this time.”

“We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time and will provide updates when appropriate,” the statement continued. “Thank you for the continued love and support.”

Sheik, 56, earned a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance in 1998 for Barely Breathing.

He has released nine studio albums.

For Spring Awakening, Sheik composed the music while Steven Sater wrote the lyrics, with the musical making its Broadway debut in 2006 starring Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff.

The production won Tony Awards for best orchestrations, best original score and best musical, as well as a Grammy for best musical theatre album.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 German play, the alt-rock and folk musical centres on teenagers in the late 1800s discovering their sexuality.