R. Kelly makes surprise visit to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — R&B singer R. Kelly made an appearance and performed at Dirty South lounge in Springfield last night, Saturday, April 6th.

The performance was announced on R. Kelly's Instagram page around 7 p.m., hours before he was scheduled to perform.

"I want the media to take it easy on me," R. Kelly said in his Instagram video post.

The R&B singer went on to lament about his need to make money and emphasized that this is how he has to get paid now.

R. Kelly arrived at Dirty South Lounge at 1:30 a.m.

There was an $100 entrance fee and it was reduced to $50 once R. Kelly arrived.

The singer spent about 35 minutes taking selfies, chatting, dancing and smoking cigars with fans.

WICS/WRSP obtained pictures of R. Kelly's appearance.

There were approximately 100 people in the lounge. The lounge capacity is 450.

R. Kelly got on the microphone and thanked supporters and sang a line from his song for 28 seconds.

The bar closed at 3.a.m.

Outside of the bar, at least two fans expressed their disappointment of the performance.

Some fans claimed it wasn't worth $100 and would not pay again.

Fans also said they like to separate the "accused criminal" from the "artist", which is why they came out to support.

One fan said it was "all lies" and another said she thinks "it's some truth to it."

Dirty South Lounge is self- described as a local Dive bar which is a neighborhood bar where local residents gather to drink and socialize.