Paula Abdul cancels Canada tour, including Sudbury show next month

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Paula Abdul is axing dates on her Straight Up! To Canada Tour, including one in Sudbury, after suffering a slew of injuries.

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The 62-year-old pop star shared the news in an Instagram post in which she apologized to her “amazing fans.” She was scheduled to play at the Sudbury Arena on Oct. 17.

“It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I need to share with you an update regarding some injuries I’ve recently sustained. In an effort to keep going, I’ve received targeted injections that will allow me temporary relief, but the demands of an entire tour is a different story,” she wrote.

“After multiple consultations with my doctors and exploring all available options, I’ve been advised that one of my injuries requires a minor procedure followed by a 6-8 week recovery time, therefore it will prohibit me from proceeding with the Straight Up! To Canada Tour as well as the dates in Alaska and North Dakota.”

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After Abdul played in Toronto last month with New Kids on the Block, she said the cancellation of her solo cross-Canada tour “truly breaks my heart.”

While the Grammy winner advised ticket purchasers to seek refunds, Abdul did promise she won’t be sidelined for long, telling fans she’ll be back onstage as quickly as she can.

Abdul was slated to perform in 21 Canadian cities beginning in Victoria, B.C., later this month. Her trek was set to end in Sydney, N.S., on Oct. 26.

Abdul launched her career in the ’80s as a choreographer and a famed Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader before making the leap to music in 1988 with her debut album Forever Your Girl, which included the hit song Cold Hearted. In the ’90s, her hit streak continued with Spellbound and Head Over Heels.

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She also served as one of the original judges on American Idol and appeared on So You Think You Can Dance and the American version of The X Factor.

Fans in Sudbury who already bought tickets have a number of options for refunds, the City of Greater Sudbury said. If you purchased tickets online or at the box office with a credit card or VISA debit card, your card will automatically be refunded. There is no need to call or come in person. However, allow at least 14 business days to receive this return to your credit card.

If you purchased tickets for the concert with a debit card or cash at the Sudbury Arena box office, visit the box office at 240 Elgin St. during regular business hours to receive your refund. Refunds will be issued only to original purchasers and only if the original physical tickets are provided.

If you purchased tickets on a third-party website, reach out to that provider directly. The City of Greater Sudbury will issue refunds only to those who purchased tickets from greatersudbury.ca/tickets or directly at the Sudbury Community Arena box office at 240 Elgin St.

– with files from The Sudbury Star

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

X: @SudburyStar

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