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Paula Abdul has been forced to cancel her upcoming tour due to “some injuries” that require surgery and an extended recovery period.
The pop icon, 62, was slated to perform in Alaska and North Dakota before she continued her month-long Straight Up! To Canada Tour, but she announced on Instagram on Thursday, September 5, that due to her injuries, she will be canceling the tour.
“It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I need to share with you an update regarding some injuries I’ve recently sustained,” the former American Idol judge wrote in the caption.
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In her statement, Abdul revealed that her medical team has advised her to undergo a minor surgical procedure for one of her injuries followed by a six-to-eight-week recovery period. Despite initially seeking temporary relief, Abdul acknowledged that the demands of a full tour would be too much under her current circumstances, saying, “I’ve received targeted injections that will allow me temporary relief, but the demands of an entire tour is a different story.”
Fans were quick to offer their well wishes in the comments, showing their love for the songstress. “You just finished a 47 day tour, your body needs to rest I hope you find time for yourself take care of yourself and rest up so you can heal,” said one fan. Another shared the same sentiment, saying, “Im so sorry… you take care of yourself! We all need you for the long haul. Love you!”
Abdul conveyed her sorrow over disappointing fans who were eagerly anticipating her performances, and reassured her audience that this setback is temporary, vowing to return “stronger and better” once her recovery is complete.
For those affected by the cancellations, the “Opposites Attract” singer assured that refunds would be available at the point of purchase. She closed her message with gratitude for her fans’ understanding and patience during this challenging time, signing off with, “With all my love and gratitude, XoP.”
Abdul has faced numerous health challenges throughout her career, ranging from broken bones and chronic back pain due to demanding choreography to more recent struggles with osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that causes joint pain and stiffness.