Janet Jackson and Kelly Rowland lead performer reactions as Lovers & Friends festival in Las Vegas is abruptly CANCELED due to expected ‘dangerous weather’

Janet Jackson and Kelly Rowland sparked the backlash from performers when the Lovers & Friends festival was canceled at the last minute on Saturday due to expected “dangerous weather” in Las Vegas.

Jackson, 57, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express how “heartbroken” she was and acknowledged that many fans “traveled far and wide” to see her set.

She also included three self-portraits of herself in full glam makeup and hair, which was apparently the look she wanted to wear on stage on Saturday.

“We are heartbroken that we won’t be able to see you tonight on Lovers & Friends due to the possibility of dangerous winds,” the hitmaker began.

“We know many of you have traveled far and wide to be here. The show would also have been our last before switching to the summer portion of the tour.

“We trust God’s plan and find light in the knowledge that we will be together again soon. We love you and are so grateful for you,” Jackson concluded.

On Instagram, Kelly Rowland, 43, shared several photos taken of the singer with a group of backup dancers during rehearsals for the festival.

The former Destiny’s Child member added a short message to express her disappointment over the sudden cancellation.

She wrote: ‘I’m so upset that Lovers & Friends is not happening. Apologies to anyone who arrived early. And thanks to EVERYONE who supported!’

Less than 24 hours before the event, the organizers of the Lovers & Friends Festival announced on social media that it had been ‘cancelled’.

A festival update, uploaded to Instagram on Friday, included a message: ‘Lovers & Friends Festival organizers have been monitoring the weather for a number of days and are proactively preparing for a windy Saturday.’

“However, the National Weather Service has now issued a high wind warning, including dangerous sustained winds of 20 to 22 miles per hour with gusts possibly exceeding 60 miles per hour,” they wrote as the reason for the cancellation at the latest moment.

Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys were among dozens of artists forced to cancel their appearance at Saturday’s Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas. The National Weather Service predicted high winds, creating a risk of injury for performers and guests.

“On the advice of the National Weather Service and in consultation with local government officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists and staff and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival.”

“This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible line-up of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months.” they said, writing that their decision reflected their own disappointment.

“Ticketholders who purchased their tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund to the original payment method within 30 days,” indicating that fans could recoup some of their spending.

Artists like the Backstreet Boys and Janet Jackson shared the official festival announcement on their social media to alert fans to the change in plans.

Usher wrote on Instagram that he was “as disappointed as” his fans.

“We were getting ready to show up today and celebrate,” he added. “I must follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and remain strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry we can’t see each other today, but know that I’m always working on something to express my sincere gratitude for each of you who continue to support me.”

Many fans expressed their outrage at the last minute.

‘Booked a flight, paid for a room, took time off work and arranged childcare. This is really stupid,” one person said.

“So the first year you put us outside in 100 degree weather with no shade and no water but the wind is when we draw the line,” wrote another, referencing previous songs.

‘Why TF posted all kinds of promotions and didn’t inform your customers of the potential risk. You all need to be held accountable!” wrote one angry fan in response to a promotional video promoting the concert, four hours before the cancellation notice was issued.

“Class action lawsuit? I’m sure there’s a force majeure clause somewhere,” one litigious ticket holder suggested.

Usher expressed his own displeasure in a message to his fans.

“I’m sorry we can’t see each other today, but please know that I’m always working on something to express my sincere gratitude for everyone who continues to support me,” the Yeah! the singer wrote on his Instagram Stories. ‘I’ll see you soon.’