Stephen Sanchez Faces Backlash for Tour Cancellation

Viral musician Stephen Sanchez has cancelled his Australian and tour in a lengthy post that takes aim at modern 'pornographic' pop music. 

The singer-songwriter, 23, became a global sensation when his debut album Angel Face gained traction on with songs like High and Until I Found You. 

But the American pop star has cancelled his Down Under tour via Instagram on Tuesday after his second album Love, Love, Love underperformed on the charts.

'I'm sitting in an airport trying to express feelings that need so much context and so many details for everyone to understand in full,' he began the lengthy message.

He went on to acknowledge that many fans may feel 'frustrated' over the sudden cancellation of his NZ/AU tour after many had booked flights and hotels to see him. 

'I'm truly sorry for that. I imagine the frustration and confusion will continue, as the unannounced US tour will also not be happening this year,' he continued.

'I am also truly sorry for that. This part I can't make everyone understand. I spent the majority of 2025 working on Love, Love, Love,' he added.

Stephen went on to explain the time he spent working on his new album was plagued with 'never-ending conflict, stress, anxiety, and overall deeply negative energy'. 

He said the experience he had recording Love, Love, Love, which released in May, 'absolutely ruined this music for me'.  

'It affected me so much that I wanted to quit making music altogether,' he continued.

'Instead, I went on to do the EU/UK tour because I thought it would change my feelings toward this album. It unfortunately did not.'

Stephen went on to thank his fans and explain he felt happiest 'to see my friends and family outside of a green room' and 'find purpose in making music again'. 

The singer then went on to take aim at the current generation of pop music and the effect social media has had on the music industry.

'What made things even more discouraging for me was hearing some of the popular music that was coming out during the time I was working on this album,' he wrote.