Grammy-winner Doechii pulls out of three festival performances without a word

20 August 2025

Doechii performs during Lollapalooza in Chicago in August 2025. Credit : Josh Brasted/FilmMagic

Word comes that Doechii, the Grammy‑winning artist born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, has abruptly pulled out of three major European festival appearances this week, leaving fans stunned and organizers scrambling. The performances she was set to deliver, Rock en Seine in France on August 21, All Points East in London on August 23, and Forwards Festival in Bristol on August 24 were officially canceled, though no explanation has been provided, either by the singer or her team.

Rock en Seine issued its announcement in French via Instagram, expressing disappointment and promising that ticket holders would be contacted with next steps. The message praised Doechii as an “incredible performer” and acknowledged shared anticipation.

All Points East followed suit with its own apology to fans. Their Instagram post conveyed deep regret and gratitude for the audience’s support, noting that although Doechii won’t be performing this year, they hope to welcome her back in the future. Despite her absence, festival-goers were encouraged to enjoy other acts such as RAYE, Tyla, JADE, Jyoty, and Nao.

The third cancellation came at Bristol’s Forwards Festival, delivered via their Instagram in a similar tone highlighting Doechii’s immense talent and lamenting that the hometown crowd would miss seeing her live. The statement ended with optimism, inviting her to return in the future. The sudden nature of the cancellations and the lack of transparency have sparked concern and speculation among fans and industry watchers alike.

Yet Doechii’s North American plans remain intact. Her “Live From the Swamp Tour” is scheduled to launch on October 14 in Chicago, continuing through major cities such as Atlanta, Houston, Boston, and wrapping up on November 10 in Seattle. This indicates that the cancellations may be limited to Europe though again, no one knows why.

The timing of these cancellations has blindsided many fans, some of whom traveled long distances for the chance to see her perform. Social media platforms are already buzzing with disappointment and frustration. While some posts express hope that Doechii will reschedule, others question why no explanation was given, especially for such a sudden withdrawal from three high-profile events.

Plateauing just behind her accolades the Grammy for Best Rap Album, viral success, and industry praise is Doechii’s human fragility. Whether the cancellations stem from health concerns, personal reasons, scheduling conflicts, or artistic recalibration, the void she leaves this week has a palpable emotional weight.

In the wider context of the music industry, such silent withdrawals ignite conversations about the pressures artists face on tour, the expectations tied to festival circuits, and the importance of communication especially amid cancellation culture. Festivals, by nature, are logistical symphonies, and removing a headliner at the last minute sends shockwaves through planning, economics, and emotional investment alike.

For the moment, fans and organizers can only wait. And hope. Hope for clarity. Hope for rescheduled dates. Hope that behind the silence, Doechii is okay.