Usher, Snoop Dogg & More React After ‘Lovers & Friends’ Fest Gets Canceled

Fans were crushed this weekend after Lovers & Friends Festival was canceled, but the show continued despite the upsetting news.

Hours before doors were expected to open on Saturday, May 4, the organizers behind the Las Vegas-based festival informed fans the show was canceled "due to dangerous weather."

"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," said a statement posted to the festival's website. "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 lineup for the popular festival was announced back in January and it included a slew of iconic artists. Usher planned to perform his Confessions album in its entirety while Lil Wayne was set to deliver hits from Tha Carter III. Other classic artists like Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, Nelly, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Mary J. Blige, T-Pain, Keyshia Cole and more were also booked to perform.

Fans who bought tickets directly from Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days, according to the organizers. Following the abrupt cancellation, some of the artists who were supposed to perform made sure excited fans got what they were promised. Usher expressed his disappointment about the festival's demise on social media, but ultimate decided the show must go on. He made a surprise appearance at a smaller venue inside Jewel at Aria Hotel club where he delivered his “Bad Girl: 20 Years of Confessions” performance as promised.

“Mannn… I’m just as disappointed as you are," Usher wrote on X/Twitter. "We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today. I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. 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. I’ll see you soon.”

Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg and T-Pain kept the party going with their own version of their scheduled festival performance. The two artists also made a last-minute performance at the Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World in Las Vegas. See a clip from the show below.