AceShowbiz - Jazz singer Al Jarreau collapsed shortly before he took the stage at a music festival in France and was helicoptered to hospital, according to a new report. The Grammy-winning musician is currently in a "critical condition" in an intensive care unit at a medical facility in Gap, south east France after being admitted on Thursday, July 23 night suffering from breathing difficulties.

Further details about his health scare have emerged, with a new report revealing he was preparing to perform at a show in Barcelonnette when he experienced an unduly fast heartbeat and collapsed. The singer was treated by paramedics for respiratory problems before being airlifted to hospital.

Maurice Marchetti, deputy head of the Gap hospital, tells Reuters, "He was rushed to hospital... his condition is critical. He's in intensive care. He is still conscious but slightly drowsy because of the medication and the breathing apparatus."