Usher Plays Surprise Club Show After Last-Minute Lovers & Friends Cancellation

Usher deeply believes in the old “show must go on” maxim. After the singer got the disappointing news that his headlining gig at this weekend’s planned Lovers & Friends Festival 2024 in Las Vegas was canceled due to the threat of dangerous weather conditions, the “Confessions” star found another way to celebrate.

According to the Las Vegas Journal-Review, after the festival slated to draw more than 65,000 fans to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Saturday was scotched due to threats of high winds, Usher packed up his planned “Bad Girl: 20 Years of Confessions” celebration and moved it indoors to the more intimate 1,900-capacity Jewel at Aria Hotel club.

The paper said Ush’s first show in Vegas since his killer Super Bowl headlining show at Allegiant Stadium across town earlier this year found him playing a medley of hits to a packed club that including guest spots by his good friends Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon and Victoria Monét, who slipped into the DJ booth for a bit. The paper said other A-listers on hand included Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Crystal Kung Minkoff, as well as the Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean and Howie Dorough and Kandi Burruss, among others.

TMZ reported that Usher arrived in an all-white outfit around three hours after the festival cancellation, with Lil Jon joining him for “Lovers and Friends,” the rapper’s 2004 Crunk Juice single that also featured Luda.

In addition to Usher, the Lovers show was slated to feature sets from the Backstreet Boys, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Ludacris and many more. Shortly after organizers said the one-day festival was going to be called of over weather, Usher shared a message with fans expressing his disappointment.

“Mannn… I’m just as disappointed as you are. 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,” Usher tweeted. “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.”

Fans who purchased their Lovers & Friends tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days, organizers said.