Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The pop singer was already backstage getting ready with hair and makeup when organizers made the decision to cancel the 55,000-capacity outdoor festival due to the dangerous weather conditions.
Katy Perry had to cancel her highly anticipated headlining set at Belgium’s Werchter Boutique festival just hours before she was scheduled to perform on Saturday after severe weather warnings led officials to close the outdoor event.
The 41-year-old singer addressed fans on Instagram, apologizing for the cancellation and explaining that the decision was out of her hands.
Perry shared that she was already backstage preparing for the performance when organizers informed her that the show could not continue due to government safety measures and concerns over the incoming weather.
She wrote that she was just as disappointed as the audience, adding that while the cancellation was beyond her control, the safety of the 55,000 attendees remained the top priority. Perry also expressed sadness that she could not perform and asked fans to make it home safely.
The “Roar” singer revealed that she had been excited to return to the Werchter festival grounds after 17 years and had even planned to wear the same outfit she wore during her 2009 appearance there.
The canceled performance would have marked Perry’s first time back at Festivalpark Werchter since she performed at Rock Werchter in July 2009 during her Hello Katy tour, following the release of her breakthrough album One of the Boys.
Perry also shared a behind-the-scenes photo from backstage showing her wearing a white robe with striped pants while sitting near her unused stage outfit. Her planned 90-minute closing performance at Werchter Boutique was set to begin at 10 p.m. after Pitbull’s set.
Festival organizers later announced that the event would end after Pitbull’s performance following discussions with the Rock Werchter safety committee and local authorities. Officials cited forecasts of severe thunderstorms and a safety alert issued for the region as the reasons for ending the festival early, confirming that Perry’s performance would not take place.
