Kelly Clarkson Cancels Concert Minutes Before She’s Set to Perform

Kelly Clarkson, the Grammy-winning singer and beloved talk show host, stunned fans by abruptly canceling the first two shows of her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency — just minutes before taking the stage.

The sudden announcement came on Friday, July 4, a mere 90 minutes before showtime at Caesars Palace, where her new show Studio Sessions was set to debut.

Taking to Instagram to share the disappointing news, the 43-year-old singer wrote, “We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans. I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars.”

We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans.  I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars.  The prep and… pic.twitter.com/7D5zqP6xIe

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) July 5, 2025

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Clarkson cited vocal strain from the intense preparation and rehearsals as the reason for the cancellation.

“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” she explained. “I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and 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.”

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She reassured fans that the production they’d eventually witness would be well worth the wait.

“The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong,” she added. “I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on.”

TONIGHT!! #OpeningNight #StudioSessions #VegasRehearsals pic.twitter.com/I1ow2frpgQ

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) July 4, 2025

Despite Clarkson’s heartfelt message, the late timing of the cancellation left many fans feeling frustrated — particularly those who had traveled long distances and spent significant money to attend opening night.

“Totally bummed that we flew all the way to Vegas only to find out that the show was cancelled 1 1/2 hours prior to show time. So so sad!!” one fan commented on Instagram.

Another added, “This stinks so bad for people who spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to travel to see these performers.”

Some fans were already at the venue when they received the news. “I’m outside the doors,” one person posted with crying face emojis, while another chimed in, “Understand. Bummed to miss you next weekend but feel better and hopefully I can make it to a fall show.”

I’m honestly surprised Kelly canceled at the very last minute. I feel bad for those who traveled to see her because it’s not cheap.

— With Love From, Kristin 💌 (@endupwithcarrie) July 5, 2025

Adding to the confusion, Clarkson had posted behind-the-scenes photos from rehearsal just hours earlier, enthusiastically captioning the update with “TONIGHT!”—making the last-minute cancellation even more jarring for attendees.

Clarkson first announced her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in February, promising fans a unique and deeply musical experience. “I’m so excited to be back in Vegas!” she said at the time. “We’re bringing the studio to the stage this time with Studio Sessions! See you soon.”

Having previously hosted a successful residency at Planet Hollywood Resort from 2023 to 2024, Clarkson emphasized how this new show would be a dramatic departure from anything she had done before.

“This is totally different for us, how we’re doing it,” she told Today in May. “It’s called Studio Sessions, and the reason for that is I feel like you don’t get live anymore – maybe back in the ’70s – but you really don’t get live what you really feel in the studios.”

Kelly Clarkson for her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace (4K) pic.twitter.com/F9nMbnOaCS

— Kelly Clarkson Media 📸 (@mediasclarkson) February 6, 2025

She continued, “You fill out the whole stage, like I’ve hired more musicians, more singers are coming out, we’re literally filling out everything. There’s no tracks at all of any instruments or anything. It’s all live. It just feels amazing in the studio. So we wanted to bring that into the setting for everybody…it’s going to be really fun.”

Clarkson’s cancellation also comes at a complicated time in her career. Rumors have swirled for months about the future of The Kelly Clarkson Show, with insiders reporting that Clarkson may be preparing to walk away from the daytime talk show when her NBC contract expires next year.

Fueling speculation, Clarkson mysteriously disappeared from her show for ten days in March, only saying she was dealing with a “private matter.” No further explanation was given.

“This has all been very painful for her,” a source told Page Six in May. “The difficulty is that Kelly, like all of us, wants to be liked, and she had to deal with this new moment in her life. She knew she had to step down for a minute.”

The insider added, “She has her priorities, and her family comes first, but I think she’s been humbled by the whole situation… what has happened has given her a moment of clarity, I think.”

While the cancellation of opening weekend has disappointed many fans, Clarkson’s commitment to delivering an authentic and high-quality live performance could still win them back — if future shows proceed as planned.

Kelly Clarkson is REALLY aging backwards 😭 pic.twitter.com/DC1WEoSdIF

— gab (@owndeceiver) July 2, 2025

Still, the emotional blow of a last-minute cancellation lingers, especially for those who made travel plans around the holiday weekend.

Only time will tell if Studio Sessions rebounds from its rocky start and delivers the groundbreaking live experience Clarkson has promised.

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