Philadelphia’s anticipated music event, the Made in America Festival, has faced an unexpected setback as organizers announce its cancellation for 2023. The festival, which was set to feature headlining acts Lizzo and SZA, has fallen victim to “severe circumstances outside of production control.” Fans and artists alike are left disappointed as Labor Day weekend plans take an unexpected turn.
Curated by music mogul JAY-Z, the Made in America Festival had promised music enthusiasts an unforgettable experience on September 2 and 3. However, a recent statement shared on the festival’s social media accounts informed eager attendees that the event would no longer be able to proceed as originally planned.
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The official statement from the festival read, “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.”
Recognizing its history of delivering exceptional experiences to concert-goers, the festival organizers expressed their commitment to maintaining a top-tier festival experience. They also assured ticket holders that they would receive full refunds for their purchased tickets.
The cancellation comes as a disappointment to music fans who were looking forward to performances by Lizzo, SZA, and a lineup of talented artists including Coi Leray, Ice Spice, Lil Yachty, Miguel, Tems, and more. The festival’s announcement that it looks forward to returning to Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 2024 offers a glimmer of hope for its future revival.
Coincidentally, the festival’s cancellation arrives on the heels of a lawsuit filed against Lizzo by three former backup dancers. The dancers alleged instances of sexual and racial harassment, as well as a hostile work environment. The festival cancellation also marks what would have been Lizzo’s first live appearance following the lawsuit.
Lizzo has strongly denied the accusations, with a source close to the singer revealing that she was taken aback by the allegations. In response to the lawsuit, Lizzo’s accusers’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, emphasized that success and popularity do not exempt anyone from treating their employees with respect and in accordance with the law.
SZA, the other headlining artist, has yet to comment on the Made in America Festival’s unexpected cancellation. As fans await updates from the artists and organizers, the disappointment of a missed opportunity to experience live performances lingers.
While the exact nature of the “severe circumstances” leading to the festival’s cancellation remains undisclosed, the hope remains strong that the Made in America Festival will make a triumphant return in 2024, bringing back the magic of music, camaraderie, and unforgettable performances to Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene.