Kelly Clarkson ‘devastated’ after abruptly canceling first shows of Las Vegas residency

Kelly Clarkson had to breakaway from her Las Vegas residency.

The singer, 43, was set to kick off her “Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions – The Las Vegas Residency” at Caesars Palace on Friday, July 4, but had to postpone for the time being.

“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” Clarkson wrote in a statement on Instagram. “I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars. The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice.”

She went on to explain to her followers that she wants “the shows to be perfect for y’all and 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.”

“The show is truly incredible,” gushed Clarkson. “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.”

The artist is set to perform in a total of 18 shows until November 15.

Fans flocked to the comments section to share their disappointment in the last-minute news. 

One social media user wrote, “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,” while a second added, “Ughhhh I was so excited for opening night. We were ALL so excited waiting in line all day. I hope you feel better.”

Another concertgoer explained, “I wish you would’ve done this sooner than 15 mins before doors opening. I hope you feel better.”

Others, meanwhile, understood her stance.

“When you ACTUALLY sing live, you are allowed this grace. Rest that incredible instrument,” one person said.

Another Clarkson ally noted, “We know queen kelly rarely cancels her show.. it’s her voice that at risk.. let her rest. knowing her personality it must be really really hard and breaking for her to cancel a show. she loves her fans.”

The “Breakaway” singer first announced her residency in February, sharing in a statement: “I’m so excited to be back in Vegas! We’re bringing the studio to the stage this time with ‘Studio Sessions!’ See y’all there!”

Clarkson is no stranger to the Vegas strip, as she previously had a residency there in 2023 called “Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson.” 

It ran at the Bakkt Theater after the release of her tenth studio album, “Chemistry.”

These days, along with continuing her singing career, the “American Idol” winner hosts her talk show “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in New York City.

Rumors have swirled for months that the celeb wants to step away from the series to spend more time with her daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remy, 9, whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

“Kelly’s No. 1 priority is her children, and they always will be,” an industry insider told Page Six in April. “The show is grueling. It’s a whole lot of work and I hear that Kelly would like to spend more time down South.”