Last week, Aussie and Kiwi fans of pop sensation Abel Tesfaye, AKA The Weeknd, had their hearts shattered after it was announced that he would be rescheduling his After Hours Til Dawn (AHTD) Tour in Australia and New Zealand. And folks were quick to piece together a clever theory as to why the decision was made. Thankfully, it doesn’t involve The Idol.
When someone huge like The Weeknd flakes on Australia, many fans are quick to conjure up theories as to why their faves couldn’t make it Down Under.
Fans on X (previously Twitter) reckon the Billboard Music Awards — AKA the BBMAs — is the reason why The Weeknd decided to postpone his tour. You see, The Weeknd has been listed as a finalist for 16 awards, which is extremely impressive.
Another thing to note is that the date for the BBMAs — November 19 — seems to clash with The Weeknd’s first stop in Brisbane, which was supposed to be on November 20.
Punters on the social media site reckon the “Starboy” singer decided to reschedule the tour not only to attend the BBMAs but to also perform “Die For You” with Ariana Grande.
“The Weeknd postponed his tour in Australia. this can only mean one thing,” one Xer user began.
“ARIANA AND ABEL ARE GOING TO PERFORM DIE FOR YOU AT THE BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS.”
The user linked out to the duo’s 2021 iHeart Radio Music Awards performance, where they sang “Save Your Tears”.
This is not the only user who believes this conspiracy theory. Other folks have jumped on the BBMAs bandwagon, crossing their fingers for another immaculate duet.
As someone who had to buy second-hand tickets for The Weeknd, I would be spewing if this was the real reason. Like, why didn’t you just bring Ariana to Australia and sing that crunchy tune here? Why have you forsaken me and my bank account?
At the end of the day, it’s just rumours and speculation. So please take this theory with a grain of salt.
ICYMI: Fans were rocked last week after The Weeknd canned his tour in Australia and New Zealand weeks before he was set to perform.
In an announcement that was emailed to ticket holders just weeks before they were supposed to see the artist perform the acclaimed tour live, The Weeknd told fans that he regrettably had to reschedule the hyped-up event.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must reschedule the Australia/New Zealand tour,” he said in a statement.
“New dates will be announced next year, and current tickets will be valid for the new shows. Refunds will be available for those unable to attend the new dates. Deeply disappointed but can’t wait to be there with you!”
As mentioned previously, the AHTD tour was supposed to begin in Brisbane this month on November 20 at Suncorp Stadium, before continuing to Sydney, then Melbourne, and finishing in Auckland on December 9.
The AHTD tour had been widely anticipated for months, before The Weeknd announced in August that he would be visiting Australia and New Zealand at the end of the year for four shows. However, due to massive demand they later increased the total number of shows to 11.
Eleven shows which are now going to have to wait until next year to be rescheduled.
Thankfully, they foresaw the disappointment fans would have at hearing the shows were cancelled at such late notice.
“We understand fans will be disappointed, and Live Nation is focused on working with The Weeknd to secure a new tour schedule. We will make a further announcement as soon as possible,” said Ticketmaster’s statement.
Fans who purchased tickets will be given new tickets for the future tour dates, and will have the option to ask for a refund if they cannot make the rescheduled times.
I only fear what would happen if Taylor Swift made the same announcement… Australia could not recover.
The last time The Weeknd performed in Australia was 2017.
That’s it for this episode of Pedestrian Night Live’s Weeknd Update. Up next our musical act: someone else who didn’t want to come to Australia! RIP.
Image Source: Getty Images / Paras Griffin
