Janet Jackson and Kelly Rowland led performer reactions as the Lovers & Friends festival was canceled last-minute on Saturday due to expected ‘dangerous weather’ in Las Vegas.
Jackson, 57, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express how ‘heartbroken’ she was and acknowledged that many fans ‘traveled far and wide’ in order to catch her set.
She also included three self-portraits of herself in full glam makeup and hair, which was seemingly the look she planned to wear on stage Saturday.
‘We are heartbroken we won’t be able to see you tonight at Lovers & Friends due to the possibility of dangerous winds,’ the hitmaker began.
‘We know that many of you traveled far and wide to be here. The show would have also marked our last before we shift gears to the summer leg of the tour.
‘We trust in God’s plan and find light in knowing we’ll be together again soon. We love you and are so grateful for you,’ Jackson concluded.
Janet Jackson and Kelly Rowland led performer reactions as the Lovers & Friends festival was canceled last-minute on Saturday due to expected ‘dangerous weather’ in Las Vegas
Taking to Instagram, Kelly Rowland, 43, shared several photos that were taken of the singer with a group of backup dancers during rehearsals for the festival.
The former Destiny’s Child member included a short message to express her disappointment about the sudden cancellation.
She wrote: ‘I am so gutted that Lovers & Friends is cancelled. Apologies to all who came early. And thank you to ALL who supported!’
Less than 24 hours ahead of the event, organizers for the Lovers & Friends Festival announced that it had been ‘canceled’ on social media.
In a festival update, uploaded to Instagram on Friday, one post read: ‘Lovers & Friends Festival organizers have been monitoring the weather for several days and proactively preparing for a windy Saturday.’
‘However, the National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph,’ they wrote as the reason for the last minute cancellation.
Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys were among the dozens of artist forced to cancel their appearance at Saturday’s Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas. The National Weather service forecast high winds, which created a risk of injury for artists and guests.
Jackson, 57, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express how ‘heartbroken’ she was and acknowledged that many fans ‘traveled far and wide’ in order to catch her set
Taking to Instagram, Kelly Rowland, 43, shared several photos that were taken of the singer with a group of backup dancers during rehearsals for the festival
The former Destiny’s Child member included a short message to express her disappointment about the sudden cancellation
Usher, expressed his own dismay in a message to his fans. ‘I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today,’ the Yeah! singer wrote on his Instagram Stories. ‘I’ll see you soon’
‘Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival.’
‘This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months.’ they said, writing that they decision reflected their own disappointment.
‘Ticketholders who purchased their tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days to the original form of payment,’ the said, indicating that fans would be able to recoup some of their expenses.
Artists such as the Backstreet Boys and Janet Jackson shared the official festival announcement on their social media to warn fans about the change of plans.
Usher wrote on Instagram that he was ‘just as disappointed as’ his fans.
‘We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today,’ he added. ‘I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today, but know that I am always working on something to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you who continue to support me.’
Many fans expressed their outrage at the last minute notice.
‘Booked a flight, paid for a room, took off work and secured childcare. This is fkn stupid,’ commented one.
Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys were among the dozens of artist forced to cancel their appearance at Saturday’s Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas. The National Weather service forecast high winds, which created a risk of injury for artists and guests
Gwen Stefani was scheduled to travel to Las Vegas to perform on one of the four stages at the Lovers and Friends Festival (Pictured Friday in Toronto)
‘This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months,’ organizers wrote late Friday
Dozens of act were scheduled to take part in the outdoor festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds
‘So the first year you put us out in 100 degree weather with no shade no water but the wind is when we draw the line,’ wrote another referring to previous issues.
‘Why TF were yall posting promotions and not advising your patrons of the potential risk. You all need to be held accountable!’ wrote one angry fan in reaction to a promotional video promoting the concert four hours before the cancellation notice was issued.
‘Class action lawsuit? I’m sure there’s a force majeure clause somewhere,’ suggested one litigious ticketholder.
Usher, expressed his own dismay in a message to his fans.
‘I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today, but know that I am always working on something to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and everyone of you who continue to support me,’ the Yeah! singer wrote on his Instagram Stories. ‘I’ll see you soon.’
