Kelly Clarkson told fans she’s “devastated” after canceling the debut show of her Las Vegas residency just hours before she was set to perform.
“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” Clarkson said in a statement posted on her Instagram account on Friday. “I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars.”
“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” the “American Idol” winner said, as she explained why she had to call off the show.
“I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve,” Clarkson said.
She described the show as “truly incredible” and added that “the musicians and singers are outstanding.”
“I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on,” the “Since U Been Gone” singer added.
The comments section of Clarkson’s Instagram was a mixed bag, as some praised the singer for taking the time she needed to rest her voice and focus on her health. Other fans, who had already flown into Vegas to see Clarkson perform, were less happy.
“I’m literally here in a homemade Kelly Clarkson tshirt. I spent $700 on flights and $1000 on hotel. Canceling one hour before the show is INSANE,” one fan wrote on Clarkson’s account.
“We spent a LOT of money for you to cancel literally 30 minutes before show time,” another fan added. “A lot of us cannot afford to travel to Las Vegas, take off work and pay for hotels. Ticketmaster is NOT refunding either because you POSTPONED instead of CANCELLING. Please have your team rethink this. Not good.”
“We rushed through dinner to be able to make it to line on time. I agree resting & health is #1 priority, but cancelling so close to doors opening is [disappointing],” another person wrote. “Me & my best friend who planned for months to fly from different states & meet up for this concert.”
Clarkson isn’t the first singer to cancel just hours before their Vegas debut, as Adele made waves in 2022 for postponing her entire Vegas residency just 24 hours before her first show kicked off.
Adele later called the cancellations “the worst moment in my career, by far” in an interview with Elle magazine but said that she still stood by her decision to do so.
“But it actually made my confidence in myself grow, because it was a very brave thing to do,” she told the outlet. “And I don’t think many people would have done what I did. I’m very proud of myself for standing by my artistic needs.”
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