Justin Timberlake has announced the cancellation of yet another concert on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour due to ongoing health challenges.
The 43-year-old “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” singer took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal that his scheduled performance in Oklahoma City on Monday would not go ahead, following advice from his medical team.
“I’m so sorry, Oklahoma City,” Timberlake wrote. “I have to cancel the show on 12/2. I hurt my back in NOLA, and my doctors have instructed me to rest a little bit longer.”
The pop star, who had performed in New Orleans on 25 November, expressed his regret to fans, adding, “Thank you for your support — y’all know I hate doing this.”
A Pattern of Postponements
This isn’t the first time Timberlake has had to cancel or postpone shows during his current tour. Over the past two months, the 10-time Grammy Award winner has been forced to adjust his schedule multiple times due to various health issues.
In October, Timberlake cancelled a concert in Newark, New Jersey, citing an injury that prevented him from performing. At the time, he apologised to fans, calling the situation “so disappointing” and promising to reschedule. The Newark show was later performed a week later.
Later that month, Timberlake postponed six additional shows in Chicago, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Columbus due to a different health concern. The concerts, originally planned for October and November, were rescheduled for February.
“I haven’t been feeling great the last few shows, and it turns out I have bronchitis and laryngitis,” Timberlake explained at the time.
Touring Amidst Challenges
The Forget Tomorrow World Tour began in April and has been a significant undertaking, with Timberlake performing across multiple cities. The tour is scheduled to run until next summer, but the recurring health setbacks have presented hurdles for the singer.
Despite his efforts to maintain his usual high-energy performances, Timberlake’s health concerns have led to a difficult balancing act between prioritising his fans and taking care of himself.
Past Incident Raises Awareness
In addition to his health challenges, Timberlake made headlines earlier this year when he faced legal issues. In June, the singer was arrested in New York for driving while intoxicated. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired, a non-criminal traffic violation.
As part of his plea agreement, Timberlake paid a fine and committed to performing community service. Reflecting on the incident, he spoke candidly to reporters in September.
“I try to hold myself to a very high standard. And this was not that,” Timberlake admitted. “I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There are so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber.”
Looking Ahead
While fans may be disappointed by the cancellations, Timberlake’s transparency about his health struggles and personal challenges has garnered understanding and support. The singer’s dedication to rescheduling shows where possible and delivering top-tier performances underscores his commitment to his audience.
As the Forget Tomorrow World Tour continues, Timberlake’s health remains a priority, ensuring he can return to the stage stronger and ready to entertain his fans once more.