Duncan Sheik, 56, in NYC hospital in 'critical condition' amid health crisis

Singer Duncan Sheik has been hospitalized in New York City in critical condition, according to a statement on his Instagram page Wednesday.

'Duncan is currently receiving medical care and remains in critical but stable condition,' the 56-year-old vocalist's team said on the social media site. 'Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing any further medical details at this time.'

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

It was not immediately clear what specific health issue had caused the performer to be taken in for medical care.  

The New Jersey-born artist's biggest hit is his 1996 single Barely Breathing, which he received a Grammy nomination for in the category for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Sheik for further comment on the story.

Barely Breathing reached the 16th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 55 weeks in a row on the chart. 

The track was from his self-titled debut album, which also featured the singles She Runs Away and Reasons for Living.

Sheik has had a busy career as a solo artist, having put out nine studio albums, as well as a composer.

Sheik penned the score for Twelfth Night for the New York Shakespeare Festival in 2002, which marked the beginning of his endeavors in composing. 

He won the Grammy in 2008 for Best Musical Show Album for Spring Awakening (along with Steven Sater). 

His adaptation of Spring Awakening racked up a number of Tony Award wins in 2008, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.

An off-Broadway production of Spring Awakening is slated to begin running at the venue Studio Seaview in coming months.

Previews for the limited engagement show are slated to commence on November 27, with opening night slated for December 17 and the final show slated for February 14. The production is based on a Manga written by Moyoco Anno. 

Sheik also has worked on an adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel and film American Psycho, which debuted in London in 2013 and on Broadway three years later.

Speaking with Rolling Stone in 2016, he spoke about his artistic mentality in adapting the macabre production.

'There's a version of American Psycho that you could do that is campy, kitschy and incredibly broad and comic,' he said. 'I wasn't interested in that. I wanted it to be a little deeper and more ambiguous weird and strange and, hopefully, beautiful.'

Sheik spoke about the difference of being a solo artist and musical composer in a 2017 chat with Hartford Stage, saying he was satisfied in blending the 'ability to make music' with elements such as 'set designers, light designers, narrative [and] choreography.'

He added, 'All these other elements that combine together to make a powerful experience on the stage.

'As a recording/touring artist, I was never at the place where I could afford to tour with the extra trucks full of stuff. It is great to experience the music with all the trappings.'

Sheik told Local Life SC in 2017 that he felt there are 'two kinds of happiness.

He said, 'There's a surface kind of happiness - 'Oh, I've made a lot of money or I won an award,' and that's fine. But I'm always searching for a deeper happiness that's about creating value, doing something that moves other people and being part of a community. That takes work, and I do my best.'

He added that 'creating value in the world can help you find a deeper happiness.'