The 2023 Made in America music festival was canceled Tuesday, less than a month before it was scheduled to take place.
Lizzo and SZA were booked to headline the popular Philadelphia event.
Organizers announced the cancellation in a statement on the festival website, saying the decision was “difficult.”
“Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer be taking place. This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation,” read the statement.
“Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concertgoers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience,” the statement continued. “We look forward to returning to Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the great city of Philadelphia in 2024.”
Related Story: Jay-Z’s Made in America Music Festival Loses Top Sponsor
The festival was scheduled to take place Sept. 2-3 on Philly’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Ticket holders can get refunds at the point of purchase.
While organizers didn’t specifically mention Lizzo in their statement, the Grammy-winning singer has been making headlines after three of her former backup dancers filed a lawsuit on Aug. 1, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Lizzo has denied the accusations.
In addition to Lizzo and SZA, the festival lineup included Ice Spice, Miguel, Lil Yachty, Coco Jones, Latto, Coi Leray, Doechii, with a special joint set by Mase and Cam’ron.
“I’m disappointed to hear the 2023 Made in America festival will not be taking place,” Philadelphia’s mayor said in a statement on Twitter. “We’re grateful to the partners and festival goers who have contributed to this event’s incredible success over the years, and we look forward to bringing MIA back to the Parkway next year.”
I’m disappointed to hear that the 2023 @MIAFestival will not be taking place. We’re grateful to the partners and festival goers who have contributed to this event’s incredible success over the years, and we look forward to bringing MIA back to the Parkway next year. https://t.co/J2EReRjnK2
— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) August 8, 2023
Jay-Z founded the annual two-day event in 2012. Each Labor Day weekend, Made in America draws tens of thousands of music fans to the City of Brotherly Love.
Since the inaugural festival in 2012, “the event has generated over $180 million in economic impact for the city of Philadelphia,” according to Live Nation.
Previous performers have included Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Meek Mill, Diplo, Zedd, and Cardi B, just to name a few.
In 2014, the festival was held simultaneously in Philadelphia and downtown Los Angeles.
Following complaints about increased traffic, noise, alcohol and drug-related arrests, the festival did not return to L.A.
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