Kelly Clarkson ‘blindsided' crew with last-minute Vegas show cancellations: report
The 'Since U Been Gone' singer, 43, canceled her debut show at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace on Friday, July 4, only moments before she was set to hit the stage on what was supposed to be her opening night.
In addition to Friday's show, Clarkson postponed her Saturday show as well.
11 Kelly Clarkson canceled her July 4th show only minutes before she was scheduled to perform.
Getty Images for Audacy
Now, sources claim ticket holders weren't the only ones 'blindsided' by the decision, opening up about the alleged behind-the-scenes drama that ensued following her announcement.
An insider claimed that Clarkson's crew was kept 'completely in the dark,' telling The Sun, 'Everyone working behind the scenes was in complete shock. They woke up Friday expecting a normal day of work and began their day like always.'
The source explained that crew members were well into the work day before they allegedly learned the show would not go on. Some supposedly found out like everyone else on social media, which the insider emphasized 'is utterly disrespectful.'
They continued to spout off about the situation, claiming that the Grammy winner has 'definitely lost the respect and confidence' of those 'who worked their ass off' for her shows. Despite the abrupt cancellations, The Sun reported they would still be paid in full, per their contract.
Fans were also left stunned about the weekend's scrapped concerts.
11 Insiders alleged the singer 'blindsided' her crew by announcing the news on social media.
Getty Images for iHeartRadio
11 They claimed she's 'lost the respect and confidence' of those 'who worked their ass off' for her shows.
Getty Images for iHeartRadio
11 The Grammy winner said she was 'devastated' to cancel the debut of her residency.
Instagram/@kellyclarkson
'The crew was setting up like normal and bam, it hit. Fans crying about wasting thousands of dollars, fans who flew from outside of the country to see Kelly for the first time,' the insider noted.
'She doesn't realize the depth of how much she let people down and most of them were crying they can't afford to come back another weekend.'
Clarkson is expected to kick off her 'Studio Sessions' residency this Friday, with another show scheduled for Saturday. However, the crew members are reportedly not holding their breath.
11 Ticket holders were annoyed at the last-minute decision after traveling from all over to watch her perform.
Getty Images for dcp
11 Meanwhile, sources told Page Six that Clarkson's dealing with 'some serious hidden battles' in her personal life.
Instagram/@kendrascott
'Everyone has been showing up every day to do their job and put on a good show. Now we just need Kelly to show up. I think people will be walking on eggshells and on edge until she actually hits the stage because of how last minute she canceled,' the source added.
The Post reached out to Clarkson's rep for comment.
Meanwhile, sources told Page Six that there's a deeper reason behind the 'Stronger' singer's decision.
11 The source added that Clarkson's powerhouse ballads take a 'toll on her vocal cords and she's come incredibly close to needing surgery before.'
Instagram/@kellyclarkson
11 They added that she 'cannot risk damaging her cords further — she's on thin ice.'
Getty Images for SiriusXM
'She belts out every single note. She's an incredibly powerful singer, but it takes its toll on her vocal cords and she's come incredibly close to needing surgery before,' they revealed. 'She cannot risk damaging her cords further – she's on thin ice.'
Besides preserving her powerhouse voice, Clarkson is reportedly dealing with issues in her 'insanely complicated' personal life.
'Kelly is fighting some serious hidden battles that very few people are privy to …it's a source of emotional and therefore physical distress for her,' one source said, noting her yearslong messy divorce battle with ex Brandon Blackstock, with whom she shares two children: daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remy, 8.
11 The singer is expected to kick off her residency on Friday, July 11.
Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
The 'Miss Independent' songstress took to social media just minutes before her first residency show on Friday to announce she wouldn't be taking the stage.
'We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,' Clarkson's emotional statement on Instagram read.
Saying she was 'beyond grateful' for those who traveled far and wide, the star explained she was 'devastated' to have to postpone her two opening shows at Caesars.
11 Kelly Clarkson's residency is scheduled for 18 shows.
Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
11 She'll be performing at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace until November.
Getty Images for iHeartRadio
'The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,' Clarkson revealed, adding that she wanted the concerts to be 'perfect' for her fans.
'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,' she continued, calling her show 'incredible.'
'The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong. I can't wait to be back next weekend and show y'all what we've been working on,' Clarkson concluded.
Despite her heartfelt message, she still copped backlash from angry concertgoers.
'I'm a huge fan and flew here from Boston spending thousands on tickets and hotels to see your show tomorrow for my 40th birthday. I really want you to be healthy but cancelling this late has such a huge financial impact on your loyal fans,' one person responded.
'Ughhhh I was so excited for opening night. We were ALL so excited waiting in line all day. I hope you feel better,' shared another.
Clarkson's 18-show residency is scheduled to run at Caesars until November 15.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Natalia Lafourcade Pregnant With Her First Baby at 41: ‘I Truly Didn't See This Coming'
In the midst of a successful international tour, life surprised Natalia Lafourcade and presented her with what might be her biggest challenge yet: becoming a mother. The 41-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter shared the unexpected announcement of her first pregnancy on Monday (July 7) on social media, along with a series of photographs in which she looks loving and proud of her growing baby bump as she awaits the arrival of her first child. More from Billboard Natalia Lafourcade Explores Her Alter Ego in 'Cancionera': 'This Album Reaffirmed My Role in Life' Justin Bieber Posts Sweet Studio Jam Pic With Special Visitor Son Jack Blues SEVENTEEN's WOOZI & HOSHI Are Preparing for Military Service: Here Are Their Enlistment Dates 'Five months and still on tour, five months and still growing. There is a beautiful being inside my body, and I truly didn't see this coming,' she wrote in the post. 'What a gift from life, all while I sing and sing and keep singing for you, my beautiful people. See you very soon in Spain. In the meantime, we'll keep growing.' A wave of congratulatory messages from her colleagues and friends quickly followed the happy news. 'So excited! How beautiful,' wrote fellow singer/songwriter Julieta Venegas in the comments section. 'What a marvel,' echoed musician Juan Manuel Torreblanca. 'Congratulations!' added Colombian singer/songwriter Pedrina. Lafourcade is expecting her first child with her partner, Mexican-Venezuelan filmmaker Juan Pablo López-Fonseca, with whom she shares both a professional and personal relationship. The four-time Grammy and 18-time Latin Grammy winner — who was included this year among Billboard's 50 Best Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time — is embracing motherhood while touring cities across the Americas and Europe to perform her latest album, CANCIONERA. The LP follows De Todas Las Flores, her critically acclaimed 2022 album which earned her a Grammy and three Latin Grammys. Lafourcade is set to perform a series of shows in Europe throughout July and August. She will return to Mexican stages in a couple of months to fulfill two scheduled dates at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City on Sept. 9 and 11. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
UFC vet Ben Askren breaks silence in emotional first video after double lung transplant, says he 'died 4 times'
UFC veteran Ben Askren spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday since being hospitalized in early June with a life-threatening case of pneumonia, which ultimately led to him undergoing a successful double lung transplant. Askren's wife, Amy Askren, has periodically provided updates on her husband's condition and the process they've endured during his health scare since it was first revealed on June 6. After weeks of sedation and a period in "limbo," Amy's updates indicated that her husband was in need of a double lung transplant. Advertisement Following the successful surgery, a noticeably gaunt and emotional Askren posted a video to Instagram addressing everything that's occurred over the past several weeks. "What's up guys? Have not given you an update in a while. Figured you deserve one. Whenever this is all the way over — I actually just read through my wife's journal because I don't remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection. Zero idea. No idea what happened. We'll kind of go through it all and I just read through my wife's journal. It's like a movie. It's ridiculous. So, I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That's not ideal. I don't think you guys know that. But I got the double lung transplant. I made it out to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength. We're going to use everything again. I was actually on the scale yesterday — 147 pounds. I haven't been 147 pounds since 15 years old. So, I lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period. So, man, that was a battle, although I don't remember most of it. And the thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody. And it was almost like I got to see my own funeral, right? I still remember it 30 years ago when Dave Schultz died and you listen to all these older people, you know, recollect how much they enjoyed him, how much they loved him. And obviously he never got to hear that. I'm sure some people told him [before he died]. So, man, the outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good. And so, you know, I'm more motivated than ever to keep giving back and do what I can and help out the best I can help out. I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community. So, I appreciate everything. Hope you guys appreciate the update. And like I said, sometime down the road, maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more." The 40-year-old Askren began his MMA career 19-0 and most notably held the welterweight titles in Bellator MMA and ONE Championship. In 2019, he was a part of the first and only "MMA trade," which saw him swap from ONE with Demetrious Johnson to join the UFC roster. Askren only fought three times for the promotion, all in 2019, before hip injuries ultimately led to his retirement. Since then, Askren has competed once in a pro boxing debut opposite Jake Paul in 2021, but has largely focused on his coaching career at his Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
UFC legend Randy Couture airlifted to burn center after frightening NHRA practice crash
UFC icon Randy Couture was airlifted to a burn center with serious injuries after crashing a racecar during a National Hot Rod Association practice run in Kansas City on Tuesday. Couture suffered first and second-degree burns, trauma injuries and smoke inhalation, according to TMZ Sports. The cause of the accident has not been reported, but the 62-year-old is expected to recover. 4 UFC legend Randy Couture. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images 4 Randy Couture's arm after his NHRA practice crash. via TMZ Sports Couture had been transitioning from fighting to car racing, and he was in Kansas City preparing for his NHRA debut in a '37 Chevy Pro Mod named 'Al Capone.' The Everett, Wash. native had been slated to make his NHRA debut in the Pro Mod Division at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals in Virginia, which took place in June. Couture withdrew from that race, stating at the time in a social media video: 'We've been working hard, doing a lot of testing. Just not comfortable yet. 'I need some more seat time, especially in 'Al Capone.' Bottom line is I have to have more seat time to be safe, not only for myself, but for whoever I'm lining up against. I really wish I could be racing with my SCAG Racing teammates in Virginia, but it's just not there yet.' The scary accident took place weeks later. When he first revealed he would be transitioning to drag racing in April, Couture told the NHRA: 'This is a new way to tickle that competitive spirit that I've had most of my life; a new place for me to get competitive and make a mark in racing. 4 Randy Couture (r.) fights Lyoto Machida (l.) at UFC 129 on April 30, 2011. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images 4 Randy Couture at the Fighters Only World MMA Awards on Dec. 5, 2024. Getty Images 'I'll bring all the things I developed as a wrestler and martial artist into this realm and see what we can do. I have no idea how it's going to go, but I'm excited about the opportunities.' Couture is a six-time UFC champion, including three heavyweight titles, two light heavyweight titles and an interim light heavyweight title.
