Last-Minute Disappointment: Anita Baker’s Atlanta Concert Canceled

Those ready to groove to Anita Baker’s soulful ballads had their plans dashed this Saturday, as the R&B legend’s concert at State Farm Arena was abruptly canceled just moments before it was scheduled to begin.

The cancellation was announced under mysterious circumstances. “Due to late, unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s ‘An Evening with Anita Baker,’ featuring the eight-time Grammy Award-winning superstar, has been canceled,” stated an email from the venue sent out Saturday evening. The venue assured ticket holders that refunds would be issued at the point of purchase.

Details on why the concert was canceled were not forthcoming. A spokesperson for State Farm, contacted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, admitted to having no additional information beyond the venue’s initial statement.

The concert, which was supposed to start at 7 p.m. with doors opening an hour earlier, had fans learning of the cancellation at 6:54 p.m. from both State Farm and Live Nation. This isn’t the first time Baker has been at the center of concert controversies. In her 2023 Songstress Tour, she notably removed Babyface as her opening act after a public disagreement with his fans over a show in New Jersey that required adjustments due to technical issues.

Scheduled as a special event for Mother’s Day and announced back in March, the cancellation left many fans expressing their frustration online, while others showed concern for Baker herself.

Anita Baker canceled a concert.

On Mother's Day weekend.

In Atlanta.

Minutes before the show was supposed to start. pic.twitter.com/gLXxKhVclg

— ira. (@ilikesiestas) May 12, 2024

Soooo Mom’s Mother’s Day Present was tickets to the Anita Baker concert tonight, and after making us stand there for over 30 minutes after doors were supposed to open they just CANCELLED the concert outright. 😑😑😑😑

I feel bad for the arena staff tho bc people are NOT happy.

— ↠ ceej ↞ 🤘🏼 (@stars_gal) May 11, 2024

There’s got to be a good reason for Anita Baker to cancel her show tonight 15 mins before start of show. The people are mad.

Gotta give auntie the benefit of the doubt 🥺

— VINCENT (@Vince_Aries) May 11, 2024