Leona Lewis cancels Las Vegas residency show due to sore throat

Leona Lewis has canceled her Las Vegas residency performance at Voltaire after revealing a health setback. The 40-year-old singer announced on Friday that she would not be able to perform the A Starry Night Christmas show scheduled for Saturday, saying a sore throat had forced the decision even after she pushed through the previous night’s performance.

In an Instagram post, Lewis explained that she had been battling a sore throat for several days and, despite attempting to continue with the engagement, her condition worsened. She said she would be taking time to recover and to rest her voice so she could return to stage with the show fans deserve. “To my lovely fans, I’m heartbroken to share that I will not be able to perform tomorrow night’s show (Dec 20). I have been battling a sore throat for the past few days and while I tried pushing through tonight’s show, it has only left me feeling worse. I will be spending this time recovering and on vocal rest so I can come back stronger and give you all the show you deserve.”

The singer was slated to perform at Voltaire in Las Vegas as part of her A Starry Night Christmas residency. After the Friday post, Lewis noted that the December 20 show had to be postponed, and she invited fans with tickets to contact the venue for refunds or to reschedule for a later date. Her message emphasized appreciation for fan support, with many fans leaving messages of well wishes in the comments as they awaited updates.

Beyond the immediate cancellation, Lewis’ Las Vegas residency has been framed as a personal milestone. She described the show as more than a typical performance, noting that it reflects experiences from her life since rising to fame on The X Factor in 2006. She highlighted that the residency is the culmination of her musical journey, touching on why certain songs were written and chosen for the production. Lewis also noted that it is meaningful to her family and community, given her Hackney background and the significance of performing in Las Vegas.

The star has publicly described Adele as an inspiration for her residency, particularly appreciating the intimate moments when a performer shares personal life experiences with the audience. Lewis also discussed her ongoing relationship with mentor Simon Cowell, saying that he has been supportive since she first spoke about Vegas and that she can still count on him if she needs guidance. “When I told him about Vegas he was so supportive. He has always had my back from day one on the show and he still does now,” she said.

In discussing her life outside the spotlight, Lewis has spoken about the factors that shaped her career. She won The X Factor in 2006 and subsequently built a career rooted in resilience and storytelling through her music. She has spoken about the more intimate and personal elements of her work, including the influence of family life since marriage to musician Dennis Jauch and the birth of their daughter, as she explained how these experiences inform the tone and content of A Starry Night Christmas. The Las Vegas residency, she suggested, is a way to share those experiences with audiences while also delivering a memorable, high-energy live experience.

As fans await word on when the show will return, Voltaire venue representatives have encouraged ticket holders to reach out to the box office for refunds or rescheduled seats. The decision to cancel came after Lewis had already tried to continue with the performance the night before, a move she described as “not an easy decision” in her social post. Her message underscored gratitude toward her supporters and a commitment to come back to the stage as soon as she is medically cleared to perform. The Las Vegas engagement—touted as a personal and immersive experience—remains a focal point of Lewis’ live career, with producers and promoters likely to confirm new dates once she announces a recovery timeline.