LUTHER VANDROSS - VANDROSS .CRITICAL BUT STABLE.

Soul legend LUTHER VANDROSS is in "critical but stable" condition in hospital after suffering a stroke last week (16APR03).

A statement from the New York hospital where the singer is being cared for refused to elaborate on Vandross's condition.

It reads, "Mr Luther Vandross suffered a stroke on April 16 and is hospitalised at the WEILL CORNELL MEDICAL CENTER OF NEW YORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL. He is in critical but stable condition."

But a message on the star's website says, "We are all maintaining a great deal of optimism for his full recovery.

"There has been a tremendous outpouring of thoughts and prayers from his fans."

Vandross, who collapsed days short of his 52nd birthday on Sunday (20APR03), has battled weight and health problems for years.