Janet Jackson was “heartbroken” after the Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas was canceled on Saturday.
The event was scheduled to feature performances from past stars of pop, rap and R&B, including Usher, Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, the Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg.
However, organizers said in a statement 24 hours before the event began that strong wind warnings were in place, saying “strong winds of 30 to 35 miles per hour could continue, with gusts of over 60 miles per hour possible.” It was canceled because of this.
“Due to potentially dangerous winds, we are very disappointed that we will not be able to see you at Lovers & Friends tonight,” Janet wrote in an Instagram post.
“We know many of you have come from far and wide to be here, and this show was also our last show before gearing up for the summer leg of the tour.”
Rowland added on the same social media site, “I'm so disappointed that Lovers & Friends has been cancelled. I apologize to everyone who came early and thank you to everyone who supported me!” Ta.
Usher posted on his Instagram Story, “I'm sorry I couldn't see you today. I'll see you soon.”
In canceling the event, organizers said in a statement: “Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local officials, we have made the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff by canceling tomorrow's Lovers & Friends Festival. I have to do it.”
“This was a very heartbreaking decision as we know our fans have been looking forward to this event for months, traveling from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars.”