Members of Kelly Clarkson’s crew are reported to be fuming over the singer’s last-minute decision to postpone the start of her residency in Las Vegas.
“Prep and rehearsals have taken a toll”
Last Friday, Clarkson cited vocal strain as she announced that she was calling off her first two Studio Sessions concerts at Caesars Palace, just hours before the opener was due to take place. Her second show was scheduled for the following day.
“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” Clarkson said in a statement on social media. “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, I want 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. 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.”
In the wake of the 11th-hour postponement, a source has told the U.S. Sun that many of Clarkson’s stunned crew members have “lost respect” for the 43-year-old – particularly those who only learned of her decision via social media.
“Utterly disrespectful”
“Everyone working behind the scenes was in complete shock,” the insider told the media outlet.
“They woke up Friday expecting a normal day of work and began their day like always. It wasn’t until hours into the work day everyone was told the news. A lot of the crew found out on social media which is utterly disrespectful.
“It’s disrespectful to do that to so many people who worked their a** off for your show. She’s definitely lost the respect and confidence of a lot of her workers.”
The source added: “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.”
Clarkson “fighting serious hidden battles”
Speaking to Page Six, another insider insisted that Clarkson had not taken the decision lightly, explaining that the Texan’s no-holds-barred singing style has left her vocal chords “on thin ice”.
“She belts out every single note,” the source said. “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. She cannot risk damaging her cords further – she’s on thin ice.”
A further source noted that Clarkson, who finalised an acrimonious divorce from husband Brandon Blackstock in 2022, has also been dealing with significant personal issues.
“Kelly is fighting some serious hidden battles that very few people are privy to,” they told Page Six.
When will Clarkson’s Studio Sessions kick off now?
Clarkson, who also hosts the daytime TV program The Kelly Clarkson Show, is now set to kick off her Las Vegas residency this Friday, July 11.
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