Adele has bad news for fans: She’s canceled the two shows left on her world tour due to damaged vocal cords.
The pop star wrote an emotional open letter about the decision, saying that after struggling the past two nights on stage at London’s Wembley Stadium, she saw a doctor and received a devastating diagnosis.
After 121 shows around the globe, “it turns out I have damaged my vocal cords,” she wrote in a note on Twitter. “And on medical advice I simply am unable to perform over the weekend. To say I’m heartbroken would be a complete understatement.”
Medication wouldn’t help, she said. “I’m already maxed out on steroids and aids for my voice. I’ve considered doing Saturday night’s show but it’s highly unlikely I’d even make it through the set and I simply can’t crumble in front of you all and walk out on you in that way.”
Adele even thought about lip-syncing. “I’m so desperate to do (the concerts) that I’ve even considered miming,” she confessed, “just to be in front of you and be with you. But I’ve never done it and I cannot in a million years do that to you. It wouldn’t be the real me up there.”
After apologizing profusely to those disappointed by the cancellation, Adele said refunds will be available if the shows cannot be rescheduled.
Read Adele’s full note below:
I don’t even know how to start this. The last two nights at Wembley have been the biggest and best shows of my life. To come home to such a response after so long away doing something I never thought I could pull off but did has blown me away. However, I’ve struggled vocally both nights. I had to push a lot harder than I normally do. I felt like I constantly had to clear my throat, especially last night. I went to see my throat doctor this evening because my voice didn’t open up at all today and it turns out I have damaged my vocal cords. And on medical advice I simply am unable to perform over the weekend. To say I’m heart broken would be a complete understatement. I’m already maxed out on steroids and aids for my voice. I’ve considered doing Saturday nights show but it’s highly unlikely I’d even make it through the set and I simply can’t crumble in front of you all and walk out on you in that way. I’m so desperate to do them that I’ve even considered miming, just to be in front of you and be with you. But I’ve never done it and I cannot in a million years do that to you. It wouldn’t be the real me up there. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for your disappointment. I’m sorry for the nights you would have had with your loved ones and the memories you would have made together. I’m sorry for the time and money you’ve spent organizing your trips. You know I would not make this decision lightly. I have done 121 shows and I have 2 left. 2 left!!! And they are 2 gigantic shows! Who the (expletive) cancels a show at Wembley Stadium!? To not complete this milestone in my career is something I’m struggling to get my head around and I wish that I wasn’t having to write this. I have changed my life drastically in every way to make sure I got through this tour that started at the beginning of last year. To not be able to finish it is something I’m really struggling to come to terms with. It’s as if my whole career has been building up to these 4 shows. I’m writing this as the decision has just this moment been made, so I don’t have any other information, but of course refunds will be available if the shows can’t be rescheduled. There will be more information over the next few days. I’m sorry. I’m devastated. I’m sorry. I love you I’m so sorry. please forgive me. x
Andrea Mandell, USA TODAY
