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Katy Perry was forced to cancel her headlining performance at Belgium’s Werchter Boutique just hours before she was set to the stage on Saturday after forecasts of severe weather prompted officials to shut down the outdoor festival.
In an Instagram post, the 41-year-old pop star apologized to fans and expressed her disappointment that the show would not move forward, noting that she had “no choice” in the decision.
“Sadly my set @WerchterBoutique tonight can’t happen due to a government mandated cancellation because of the incoming inclement weather and crowd safety concerns,” Perry wrote.
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“I was backstage at the show in the middle of hair and makeup when this news was delivered, and they gave me no choice,” she explained. “I am just as unhappy as you are.”
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“Unfortunately this is beyond my control, but the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost,” Perry added. “I am sorry I can’t change the weather, and even sorrier that all of us can’t be together tonight.”
“I was looking forward to being back after 17 years, I was even gonna wear the same outfit from that 2009 show again. I love you all, and please get home safe.”
Perry’s performance would have marked her first return to the Festivalpark Werchter grounds since July 2009. The singer took the stage at the annual four-day festival Rock Werchter while on her debut solo tour Hello Katy, following the release of her breakthrough 2008 album “One of the Boys.”
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In her Instagram post. Perry also shared a backstage photo of herself in a white robe over striped pants, seated with her unused stage costume hanging beside her. The Grammy Award nominee’s 90-minute closing set at the one-day Werchter Boutique festival was scheduled to begin at 10pm following Pitbull’s performance.
In her post, the “Roar” singer also included the Werchter Boutique’s official statement, which read, “Werchter Boutique will end after Pitbull’s concert. Following consultation with the Rock Werchter safety committee, in which all authorities and the organization are represented, it has been decided that Werchter Boutique will end at 9 pm this evening.”
“This decision was taken in response to the weather forecast, which predicts severe thunderstorms from midnight onwards at the earliest,” the statement continued. “The governor of Flemish Brabant has also issued a BE-Alert in this regard.The festival will end after Pitbull’s performance. Katy Perry’s concert will not go ahead.”
“By bringing the festival to a close early, we can ensure that the exit of visitors proceeds in a safe and orderly manner, allowing everyone to return home calmly. The safety and health of everyone present is always our top priority.”
The cancellation comes just weeks after Perry performed at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles, California. Perry gave her first live performance of her 2024 song “Wonder” alongside 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius.
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Perry’s boyfriend Justin Trudeau was in attendance at the ceremony to support her. Following her performance, Perry joined the former Canadian Prime Minister in a luxury box to watch the United States’ soccer team’s opening match against Paraguay.
The couple, who went public with their relationship in December 2025, were seen holding hands, clapping, and celebrating Team USA’s 4-1 victory.
Earlier this week, Perry released her new single, “Watch It Burn” and she is currently touring Europe, performing at several festivals and solo concerts.
Perry’s next scheduled performance is a headlining concert at DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle, a summer concert series in Wales.
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