Usher performed a last-minute surprise show in Las Vegas after the “Lovers & Friends” festival was canceled due to dangerous weather.
The R&B superstar stopped by the Jewel Nightclub Aria Hotel and Casino on Friday (May 3). The performance featured a special performance from Lil Jon.
AD LOADING...
TMZ reported that people at the event said “Usher arrived at 1:30 AM Saturday to play for the club … about three hours after festival organizers posted news of the concert’s cancelation due to severe weather.”
Check out footage of the event below.
The cancelation raised eyebrows amongst fans who watched the festival seemingly implode well before any storms.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the official account of the festival made the announcement, as many fans shared that they were already on their way to the show.
AD LOADING...
“Lovers & Friends Festival has unfortunately been canceled due to dangerous weather predicted for Saturday,” the organizers wrote. “Fans who purchased tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days. For more info: http://loversandfriends.com.”
The website address in the festival’s cancelation announcement tweet was apparently incorrect, though they included the correct website in a follow-up message.
“[T]he National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph. 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,” the site reads, in part.
While Usher, Lil Wayne, and Nas were amongst the top acts listed for the now-aborted festival, it had been plagued with lineup problems from the beginning.
AD LOADING...
Shortly after Mary J. Blige was announced as part of the lineup back in January, the 53-year-old singer made it clear that she would not be taking the stage at the event. While she was billed alongside titans such as Lil Wayne, Nas, Ludacris, Nelly and Snoop Dogg, Mary revealed that she was not scheduled to appear at the event, as it conflicted with a project of her own.
“I am beyond humbled by the response from all of you about the announcement of me on Lovers & Friends Festival,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “Unfortunately my inclusion was an error as I will be busy in preparation for my Strength of a Woman Summit just one week later!”
