Fans of music in the Queen City will need to hold off on seeing the iconic Janet Jackson as she announced on Thursday, March 20, that due to unspecified personal matters, she will not be the headlining act for the second night of this summer’s Cincinnati Music Festival. This news has left many fans disappointed, eagerly anticipating updates about her future performances.

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In a heartfelt message directed to her fans attending the Cincinnati Music Festival, Janet Jackson expressed her sincere apologies: “To all my Cincinnati Music Festival fans…. I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to be with you all in July. Some personal matters have come up and I am unable to attend. I look forward to seeing you all soon!” This heartfelt statement, shared by festival promoters, highlights her connection with her fans and the disappointment of not being able to perform.

Previously, Janet Jackson made a memorable appearance at the festival in 2022, where she captivated the audience with her dynamic performance. This year, she was scheduled to take the stage on July 26 at Paycor Stadium, alongside a star-studded lineup that includes Lucky Daye, 112, The Bar-Kays, and a special tribute to the late R&B legend Frankie Beverly of Maze, featuring the TMF Band and special guests such as Ronald Isley, Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister, and Raheem DeVaughn. The absence of such a major artist is sure to leave a notable gap in the festival’s offerings.

Promoters for the event confirmed, “We just learned that Janet Jackson is unable to perform at the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G due to personal matters.” They further assured fans that festival organizers are actively working to find a suitable replacement for her spot in the lineup, ensuring that the festival remains a vibrant celebration of music and culture despite this setback.

For the first night of this year’s festival, taking place on July 25, fans can look forward to an incredible lineup headlined by the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire. This night will also showcase performances from Anthony Hamilton, PJ Morton, Jazmine Sullivan, and a special tribute to the King Records legacy featuring the Zapp Band and Dreion. The Cincinnati Music Festival has become a beloved tradition, attracting fans from across the nation and celebrating a rich history that began in 1959 in French Lick, IN, with performances by iconic artists like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughn.

Over the decades, the festival has evolved, changing names and musical styles while remaining a highlight on the calendars of both the city and music enthusiasts. It has consistently delivered unforgettable performances and memories for attendees, making it a cornerstone of summer entertainment in Cincinnati.

Since relocating to Cincinnati in 1962, the festival shifted from its original jazz-focused roots to embrace a diverse array of musical genres, including blues, R&B, and soul. Over the years, it has hosted legendary performers such as Roberta Flack, Ray Charles, Ike & Tina Turner, and Marvin Gaye during the 1970s. The 1980s and 90s saw performances by superstars like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, New Edition, Natalie Cole, and Patti LaBelle, cementing the festival’s reputation as a premier musical event.

The festival has continued to celebrate these genres through the 2000s, featuring captivating performances from artists such as D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Fantasia, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, and local favorite Bootsy Collins. In recent years, the event has expanded to include a third night of programming at the adjacent Brady Music Center, focusing on hip-hop. The opening night this year will feature exciting sets from Scarface, Goodie Mob, The Sugarhill Gang, and Young MC, promising a diverse musical experience for all attendees.

While Janet Jackson may not grace the stage this year, her official website still indicates a series of six weekend residency shows at the Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas scheduled between May 21-31. Fans eagerly await her return to the stage, hoping for more updates on her future performances and appearances.