Pop sensation Jennifer Lopez, known for her chart-busting tracks and lively performances, recently made news by cancelling her highly anticipated North America tour. The 54-year-old singer stated her need to spend time with her children, family and close friends as the reason for the cancellation, a decision which has been met with wide-ranging doubt and resentment by fans.
The tour was initially planned to promote Lopez’s new album, “This is Me… Now,” but it was later rebranded as a Greatest Hits show due to insufficient ticket sales. The tour was supposed to start on June 26, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, covering major cities such as Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, Toronto, and New York City. However, it has now been entirely cancelled.
In a candid message on her OnTheJLo website, Lopez voiced her regret over the decision and reassured her fans that she would make it up to them. She concluded with an affirming message of love and promised, “We will all be together again soon. I love you all so much. Until next time…”
Live Nation confirmed the cancellation of the tour, stating it was so that Lopez could spend time with her children, family, and close friends. An inside source mentioned, “Life is a lot right now. Although she was sad to cancel the tour, she also felt relieved. She needs to take care of herself.”
Despite these official statements, Lopez’s reasoning for the cancellation has been subject to skepticism. Critics highlight that the tour was rebranded following weak ticket sales, which suggests that low sales could have played a significant part in the decision. This has led some to speculate that her cited need to spend time with her family is a cover-up for the lack of public interest in the tour.
Reactions on social media have been especially severe, with fans accusing Lopez of not being truthful about her reasons for the cancellation. One user commented, “No one wants to see her sing. The family excuse is just a lie to cover up poor ticket sales.” Another fan remarked, “J-Lo’s behavior is finally catching up to her. No wonder she had to cancel.”
Some fans defended Lopez by pointing out that she had sold 73% of her tour tickets before the cancellation, but this has done little to quell the criticism.
The cancellation is just one of the recent challenges Lopez is facing. Her new album “This is Me… Now” and the related documentary “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” have received mixed reviews and widespread mockery on social media. Critics have labeled the projects as overproduced and exasperating, with the documentary facing specific criticism for its uncomfortable insights into Lopez’s relationship with her husband, actor Ben Affleck.
This kind of backlash is not new to Lopez. She faced criticism in 2021 for being out of touch when she tried to start a viral challenge celebrating the 20th anniversary of her single “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” during the global pandemic. A follower aptly remarked, “No one can afford to throw their belongings on the beach.”
The increase in biographical material has led to accusations of creative narcissism from both fans and critics. The documentary consists of “90 minutes of J.Lo candidly and emotionally discussing the monumental effort required to be J.Lo constantly,” according to entertainment journalist Hunter Harris.
A TikToker named photosbyangela, who claimed to have attended the same Catholic high school as Lopez, accused her of lying about her past. This controversy has further scrutinized Lopez’s past interviews, including a video where she shared her go-to bodega order – a ham and cheese on a roll with an orange drink. The authenticity of this order was questioned by many.
Adding to the controversy, old interviews in which Lopez critiqued other female actors have resurfaced. In a 1998 interview with Movieline, she commented on Selma Hayek, Cameron Diaz, and Gwyneth Paltrow, which has continued to fuel criticism despite her apologies.
In addition to all this, Lopez’s personal life has also been in the limelight. Sources close to the couple have stated that her marriage with Ben Affleck is failing. Even though they live separately in Los Angeles, California, they have appeared together at various family events.
