Pop star Rihanna's promoters say smoke inhalation caused her to almost collapse on stage during the finale of her Sydney show with hip hop superstar Chris Brown.
The chart-topper from Barbados was performing in front of a sellout crowd at Acer Arena when her tour co-star and rumoured boyfriend Brown stepped in to end the show.
Rihanna fan Lucy Byrnes, who attended the show, told ninemsn Rihanna was helped off the stage half-way through the final song, 'Umbrella'.
"She was clutching her stomach then she started running off the side of the stage," she said.
"Then one back-up dancer realised she was sick and helped her further behind the stage."
There were already three paramedics waiting who rushed to help her.
The event's promoter, Michael Coppel Presents, confirmed the 20-year-old pop star was taken off the stage for medical treatment by a doctor.
"She was suffering from dehydration and the effects of smoke inhalation from the pyrotechnics," spokeswoman Fiona Lakin told ninemsn.
Rihanna is resting and rehydrating today and there were "no concerns about tonight's show," according to Ms Lakin.
Acer Arena's General Manager David Humphreys denied reports that an air conditioning fault contributed to the singer's sickness.
"There was certainly no problem with the air conditioning. Air quality was controlled throughout the evening," he said.
The incident occurred after an acrobatic act during the song, which had Rihanna suspended above the audience by cables as fireworks illuminated the arena.
Brown was left to close the show on stage and despite rumours he is dating his co-star, Ms Byrnes said he maintained composure.
"He did a great job of continuing on and not showing anything was wrong," she said.
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