Usher performs onstage during a taping of iHeartRadio’s Living Black 2023 Block Party in Inglewood, Calif. Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
The Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas has been canceled due to dangerous weather conditions, organizers have announced.
The one-day music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds was scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 4) with a star-studded lineup including headliners Usher, Janet Jackson and Backstreet Boys.
On Friday night (May 3), the festival’s organizers shared a message on social media explaining that the outdoor event was being called off because of a high wind warning issued by the National Weather Service.
“The National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph,” organizers wrote. “Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival.”
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Organizers added, “This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months. We’ve worked hard to create an amazing event for you, and we are just as disappointed as you are.”
Fans who purchased their tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days, organizers said.
The Lovers & Friends lineup also included Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Nas, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Ciara, TLC and Timbaland. As part of the festivities, Lil Wayne was scheduled to perform Tha Carter III in its entirety and Usher was set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his classic album Confessions.
Read the full statement from the Lovers & Friends organizers on Instagram below.
