World-renowned R&B rapper and artist The Weeknd canceled his sold-out concert on Saturday, Sept. 3 after losing his voice mid-song, leaving fans distraught.

At 6:30 p.m., the thunderous roar of nearly 60,000 fans filled Sofi Stadium as the glamorous, Las Vegas-themed stage ignited with vibrant beams of rolling light. Following the riveting opening acts from producer Mike Dean and DJ Kaytranada, the entire stadium drowned in red lights as dancers veiled in flowing red robes gracefully lined the stage.

The instrumental of The Weeknd’s After Hours album opener “Alone Again” shook the stadium. Tesfaye stepped out and roamed the stage, clad in an enigmatic mask and dark coat. Everyone stood in their seats, screaming along as he belted each note.

Within the first 20 minutes of his act, The Weeknd finally revealed his face and sang hits from After Hours, Dawn FM, and Beauty Behind The Madness. Having attended this concert myself, favorites like “How Do I Make You Love Me” and “Can’t Feel My Face” had the audience losing their voices.

Suddenly, the music cut and The Weeknd disappeared for a moment. Then he returned somberly. “I don’t know what just happened when I screamed, but I just lost my voice,” said The Weeknd at the concert. “This is killing me. I don’t want to stop the show, but I can’t give you the concert that I want to give you right now.”

“But I wanted to come out and personally apologize, not tweet it or Instagram or whatever. I wanted you guys to know that I can’t give you what I want to give you,” he continued while onstage. “I apologize, I’m so sorry. I love you guys so much.”

The Weeknd also promised to refund all tickets, yet fans were still disappointed.

“I really thought it was a joke,” said senior Carolina Gonzalez, who attended the show. “I thought the beat would drop or something, but nope. I was in shock the whole time.”

Gonzalez was also frustrated because of how long she eagerly awaited the concert. She said she waited to see him for around 8 months. “I’d known for a year since he released his idea of a tour last year in December or so,” said Gonzalez.

After The Weeknd’s announcement, thousands of people reluctantly filed out of the stadium, left to enjoy the evening elsewhere. Gonzalez said she and her best friend made up for the disappointment with their own Weeknd concert.

“I had time to talk with my best friend, and we had our own kitchen concert, better than any damn concert anybody will ever go to,” Gonzalez said.

Later that night, he posted about the abrupt cancelation on his social media: “My voice went out during the first song and I’m devastated. Felt it go and my heart dropped. My deepest apologies to my fans here. I promise I’ll make it up to you with a new date.”

While the cancelation was upsetting, the experience was not all that bad. The Weeknd’s opening performers, Mike Dean and Kaytranda were incredible.

“Mike Dean, no words. Amazing,” said Gonzalez. “The bass was so powerful you felt it in your throat, killer electric guitar, very very powerful. The definition of talent. The pregame artists were very very good.”

A few days later, The Weeknd posted once more on his social media, clarifying that he was ok and will continue his tour after he recovers.

When asked whether she’d see The Weeknd when he reschedules, Gonzalez said, “Of course, I would see The Weeknd if he was to reschedule. I’d watch him a thousand times and probably never get sick of him.”