Philadelphia’s renowned Made In America Festival has been canceled for 2023, leaving thousands of fans disappointed, Your Content has learned.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, citing “severe circumstances outside of production control.” The festival, which was set to feature headliners Lizzo and SZA, was scheduled to light up the city’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sept. 2 and 3.
“This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation,” read a statement shared on the festival’s official social media platforms. The festival has promised a triumphant return in 2024, assuring fans of their commitment to delivering a top-tier festival experience.
The lineup boasted a medley of renowned artists, including Miguel, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, Lil Yachty, Doechii, Lola Brooke, Coco Jones, TiaCorine, and more. Notably, a “very special joint set” from Mase and Cam’ron was highly anticipated.
The cancellation news comes on the heels of controversy surrounding Lizzo, the “Truth Hurts” singer. Just days prior, three of her former background dancers lodged a lawsuit against her, alleging sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and coercion into participating in explicit performances. Lizzo has vehemently denied these accusations, describing them as “too outrageous to not be addressed.” Since these allegations surfaced, Lizzo has seen a dip in her Instagram following by nearly 220,000.
Yet, in a show of support, Grimes, the 35-year-old Canadian songstress and former partner of Elon Musk, came forward to defend Lizzo. Grimes praised the “Good As Hell” singer as a “good person,” urging the public to hold judgment.
All ticket holders for the festival will receive full refunds at their original point of purchase, as stated by the festival’s management. While the exact reasons for the cancellation remain ambiguous, fans and the city of Philadelphia await the festival’s comeback in 2024.