Cee Lo Quits Rihanna Tour

The singer backed out of the tour on Friday. A statement pointed a finger at Green’s packed schedule, including his judging duties on “The Voice.” The final two episodes of the NBC reality talent show will air June 28-29.

The New York Times’ blog ArtsBeat posted the following statement from Anne Watkins, a spokeswoman for Green’s management company:

“He always puts 100 percent into his work and with the requirements and time commitment to ‘The Voice,’ on top of heading back into the recording studio and an upcoming book, he feels that he wouldn’t give his fans the show that they deserve.” 

Watkins told ArtsBeat that Green’s recent twitter controversy had nothing to do with Green’s decision to cancel the dates. After receiving a negative review Green responded to his critic on Twitter, writing, “I’m guessing you’re gay? And my masculinity offended you?”

Green’s last show opening for Rihanna took place June 22 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. He was scheduled to play all of Rihanna’s remaining U.S. dates through a June 24 gig at TD Garden in Boston.

On July 2 Green is set to play the Saturday In The Park Festival in Sioux City, Iowa, at Grandview Bandshell. Additional upcoming festival appearances include Aug. 6 at Lollapalooza at Chicago’s Grant Park followed by Sept. 17 at Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park in Texas.

Click here for the New York Times’ ArtsBeat post.

Click here for Cee Lo Green’s website and here for his Twitter page.