Kelly Clarkson ‘blindsided’ crew with show cancellations: report

Kelly Clarkson’s Las Vegas residency has turned into a beautiful disaster.

The “Since U Been Gone” singer, 43, canceled her debut show at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace on Friday, July 4, only moments before she was set to hit the stage on what was supposed to be her opening night.

In addition to Friday’s show, Clarkson postponed her Saturday show as well.

Now, sources claim ticket holders weren’t the only ones “blindsided” by the decision, opening up about the alleged behind-the-scenes drama that ensued following her announcement.

An insider claimed that Clarkson’s crew was kept “completely in the dark,” telling The Sun, “Everyone working behind the scenes was in complete shock. They woke up Friday expecting a normal day of work and began their day like always.”

The source explained that crew members were well into the work day before they allegedly learned the show would not go on. Some supposedly found out like everyone else on social media, which the insider emphasized “is utterly disrespectful.”

They continued to spout off about the situation, claiming that the Grammy winner has “definitely lost the respect and confidence” of those “who worked their ass off” for her shows. Despite the abrupt cancellations, The Sun reported they would still be paid in full, per their contract. 

Fans were also left stunned about the weekend’s scrapped concerts.

“The crew was setting up like normal and bam, it hit. Fans crying about wasting thousands of dollars, fans who flew from outside of the country to see Kelly for the first time,” the insider noted.

“She doesn’t realize the depth of how much she let people down and most of them were crying they can’t afford to come back another weekend.” 

Clarkson is expected to kick off her “Studio Sessions” residency this Friday, with another show scheduled for Saturday. However, the crew members are reportedly not holding their breath.

“Everyone has been showing up every day to do their job and put on a good show. Now we just need Kelly to show up. I think people will be walking on eggshells and on edge until she actually hits the stage because of how last minute she canceled,” the source added.

The Post reached out to Clarkson’s rep for comment.

Meanwhile, sources told Page Six that there’s a deeper reason behind the “Stronger” singer’s decision.

“She belts out every single note. She’s an incredibly powerful singer, but it takes its toll on her vocal cords and she’s come incredibly close to needing surgery before,” they revealed. “She cannot risk damaging her cords further – she’s on thin ice.”

Besides preserving her powerhouse voice, Clarkson is reportedly dealing with issues in her “insanely complicated” personal life.

“Kelly is fighting some serious hidden battles that very few people are privy to …it’s a source of emotional and therefore physical distress for her,” one source said, noting her yearslong messy divorce battle with ex Brandon Blackstock, with whom she shares two children: daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remy, 8.

The “Miss Independent” songstress took to social media just minutes before her first residency show on Friday to announce she wouldn’t be taking the stage.

“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” Clarkson’s emotional statement on Instagram read.

Saying she was “beyond grateful” for those who traveled far and wide, the star explained she was “devastated” to have to postpone her two opening shows at Caesars.

“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” Clarkson revealed, adding that she wanted the concerts to be “perfect” for her fans.

“I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve,” she continued, calling her show “incredible.”

“The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong. I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on,” Clarkson concluded.

Despite her heartfelt message, she still copped backlash from angry concertgoers.

 “I’m a huge fan and flew here from Boston spending thousands on tickets and hotels to see your show tomorrow for my 40th birthday. I really want you to be healthy but cancelling this late has such a huge financial impact on your loyal fans,” one person responded.

“Ughhhh I was so excited for opening night. We were ALL so excited waiting in line all day. I hope you feel better,” shared another.

Clarkson’s 18-show residency is scheduled to run at Caesars until November 15.