Katy Perry Says Festival Show Was Canceled at the Last Minute Due to Severe Weather

Katy Perry said she was backstage preparing to perform at Belgium's Werchter Boutique festival when she learned her scheduled set had been canceled because of severe weather and safety concerns.

In a message shared on Instagram, Perry said organizers informed her of a government-mandated cancellation while she was in hair and makeup. She said the decision was out of her hands and that she was "just as unhappy" as fans.

Perry said the safety of the festival's estimated 55,000 attendees had to come first. She added that she was disappointed to miss the performance, which would have marked her return to the festival after 17 years.

The singer apologized to fans, said she wished the weather had allowed the show to go ahead, and noted she had planned to wear the same outfit she wore during her 2009 appearance at the festival.