LAS VEGAS — Kelly Clarkson has postponed the opening weekend of her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, citing vocal strain from intensive preparations just hours before she was scheduled to take the stage Friday night.

The Grammy-winning singer announced the cancellation on social media at about 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time on social media, less than two hours before her 8 p.m. show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Both Friday and Saturday night performances of “Studio Sessions” have been postponed.

“I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars,” Clarkson wrote in her statement. “The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice. I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage.”

The 42-year-old entertainer, known for her powerful vocals since winning the first season of American Idol in 2002, emphasized her commitment to delivering quality performances for her fans. She announced plans to rest over the weekend and through next week, with shows expected to resume next weekend.

“I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve,” Clarkson said in a statement. “The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong.”

The residency, officially titled “Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions – The Las Vegas Residency,” was announced in February and represents her return to the Las Vegas stage after successful runs at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2023 and 2024. The residency is scheduled to run through Nov. 15, featuring 18 performances total. 

The cancellation was unexpected. Clarkson had shared photos from rehearsal in the days leading up to Friday’s planned opening night, including a post just a few hours prior to the cancellation, captioned “TONIGHT!! #OpeningNight #StudioSessions #VegasRehearsals” 

There has been no word yet about rescheduling the postponed shows or ticket refunds for affected performances. The next scheduled performances are set for July 11 and 12.

The singer expressed gratitude for her fans’ understanding and support.

“I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on,” she wrote.

Clarkson’s last-minute cancellation isn’t unprecedented. In 2022, Adele postponed the opening of her own Vegas residency, “Weekends With Adele,” the day before her shows were set to begin, saying COVID-19 illnesses among her staff had made it impossible to finish the show.