Music fans and festival-goers are reeling following the cancellation of a highly-anticipated music festival over the weekend in Las Vegas.
The annual Lovers & Friends Festival, which boasted a star-studded line-up of nearly 80 acts, released a statement at around 10 p.m. PST the night before the May 4 event, citing a “High Wind Warning” of up to 60 mph to be the cause of the cancellation. Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys and Canada’s own Nelly Furtado were some of the heavy hitters to be included in the one-day-only event.
“This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have travelled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months,” the festival said via its website.
“We’ve worked hard to create an amazing event for you, and we are just as disappointed as you are.”
The festival is presented by Live Nation and “Lovers and Friends” singer Usher, who took to X to express his frustrations at the outcome of the event.
“I’m just as disappointed as you are,” he posted.
“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 festival-goers on TikTok who flew from out of town to Las Vegas were shocked and confused at the cancellation, with some in search of the alleged dangerous weather worth pulling the plug on.
All was not lost for some attendees. Hip-hop icons Snoop Dogg and T-Pain, who were also a part of the festival’s stellar line-up, stuck around following the last-minute cancellation. The duo held an impromptu show at Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World to lighten the spirits of bummed out fans.
The festival says fans who purchased tickets will receive a full refund within 30 days.
