UPDATE (March 18):
New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center confirmed on Monday (March 18) that the Nicki Minaj show is postponed but advised fans to hold on to their tickets.
“Due to doctor’s orders, Nicki Minaj must reschedule her NOLA show tonight,” the statement reads. “As Nicki is still sick, our team does not want to run the risk of getting others sick, and Nicki would not be able to give NOLA the show they deserve. We are working diligently to find a new date, so please hold onto your tickets, and we will inform you all soon.”
ORIGINAL STORY (March 18):
Nicki Minaj fans in Louisiana are shocked after the rapper’s New Orleans concert was postponed at the last minute.
Nicki Minaj Pushes Back New Orleans Concert Without Warning
The highly anticipated Nicki Minaj concert scheduled for Monday at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center has been postponed just hours before the doors were set to open. Reported first by Fox 8, the postponement of this nearly sold-out show, part of the “Pink Friday 2” world tour, was confirmed by various sources, including arena personnel, despite no official announcement being made by Ticketmaster or the Smoothie King Center as of early Monday afternoon.
Read More: Nicki Minaj Shares Six Things Social Media Taught Her About the Barbz
Nicki Minaj Tests Negative for COVID-19 After She Fears She Contracted the Virus
There has been much speculation online, especially considering Minaj’s recent performance at the Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles on March 15, followed by a concerning message from the artist on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing she was “feeling like I had Covid” but thankfully tested negative.
“Barbz pls send me healing energy,” Nicki wrote in the tweet below. “Woke up feeling like I had Covid. Thank God I don’t. You guys are just everything. I appreciate you. I love you so much.”
The tweet, coupled with her heartfelt thanks to fans on Instagram for their support during her struggle at the festival, suggests health concerns may have played a role in the decision.
Read More: Kanye West Tried to Have a Threesome With Nicki Minaj and Amber Rose
Nicki Minaj Leaves Fans Confused After Postponing New Orleans Concert
The concert, which was to feature Monica as the opening act, was expected to be a near sell out with more than 14,000 fans at the full-capacity Smoothie King Center. The lack of communication from official channels has only fueled the fans’ frustration and confusion, with many still holding onto hope for a rescheduled date. Ticketmaster continued to list the few remaining resale tickets even as news of the cancellation spread, adding to the confusion.
This cancellation marks the second major letdown for the Smoothie King Center in less than a week, following the cancellation of Nigerian singer Burna Boy’s concert with poor ticket sales cited in his case.
As of now, fans are left holding onto their tickets, standing by for any further announcements from Minaj’s team or the event organizers.
