The brutal Coronavirus pandemic shut down a lot of things, including music festivals. This bummed out many for obvious reasons, but most people understood why it had to be done. But in 2023, things have gone back to normal. Restaurants have been open long, and theaters are also returning to regular collections.
Barbie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed more than $1 billion this year. Taylor Swift and Beyonce have been continuing their Eras Tour and Renaissance Tour without difficulty. So there don’t seem to be too many issues in hosting concerts. That’s why people were confused when the Made in America festival was canceled.
The 2023 Made in America festival scheduled to be held in Philadephia has been canceled. No reason has been given, but in a statement, the management behind the music event said that it was due to reasons beyond their production control. LIzzo and SZA were set to headline the festival over the labor day weekend.
Why Was Made in America 2023 Festival Cancelled?
The Made in America music festival hosted by Jay-Z’s Roc-Nation was scheduled in Philadelphia in 2023. The festival would continue throughout the Labor Day weekend, September 2 and 3. Stars like Lizzo and SZA were set to headline the event.
Coi Letay, Ice Spice, Latto, Miguel, Lola Brooke, Metro Boomin, Coi Leray, Tems, and Lil Yachty were also scheduled to perform. But the entire event has been canceled. The Made in America music festival began in 2012 and has been a staple since, outside the Philadelphia Art Museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway since then. This is the first time it has been called off in 11 years.
The only reason the 2020 festival didn’t happen was due to covid. Rolling Stones reported that the 2023 Made in America festival has been scrapped for reasons beyond production control. Here’s their statement:
“The decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation. Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concert goers, and it is our commitment always to deliver a top-tier festival experience.”
However, the management said the music festival will return to Philadelphia in 2024. But what about those who had purchased the tickets for the 2023 one? They will get a refund from where they purchased it.
But, apart from fans who were planning to attend the event, the local business owners are also upset because the canceled event means a loss in revenue. Jose Rios, a Corner Deli cook, said:
“We depend a lot on that. Made in America is good. You bring a lot of crowds — a lot of beer [and] a lot of sandwiches.”
Mayor Jim Kenney had this to say about the canceled Made in America festival:
“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.”
While a clear reason for the cancelation hasn’t been given, fans speculate that the recent barrage of sexual harassment complaints against Lizzo could cause the cancellation of the festival. However, many have pointed out that only she would get removed in that case, and something else could be managed as an alternative.
NBC News reported that low ticket sales could be a cause behind the festival getting canned. More information is awaited as people try to figure out why the Made in America music festival is junked.
What are your thoughts on the Made in America music festival getting canceled?
What could be the reason behind it? Is it due to Lizzo’s sexual harassment case?
Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Rolling Stone and NBC
