Country music star Ella Langley canceled her sold-out concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Friday night after what she called a serious security threat, her team and police said.
The 27-year-old singer announced the decision roughly two hours before the show was to begin at the 19,000-seat BOK Center. In a post on Instagram, Langley said the threat involved the safety of her fans, the venue staff and her team.
She called the cancellation an incredibly difficult decision, saying it was made under the advisement of local authorities, the venue and her security team. Langley apologized to fans and said information about ticket refunds would be shared as soon as possible.
Tulsa Police Department Captain Richard Meulenberg said a person called and threatened great harm at the event, mentioning shots fired and bombs. Officers checked the BOK Center several times before the show and could not find any threat, he said.
The event was ready to go, Meulenberg added. Officers with sniffer dogs swept the arena again after the phone call, and he said police could not find a credible threat.
Police said they did not advise the BOK Center or Langley’s team to cancel the concert. Meulenberg said officers never told the performers they should not continue the event. They made the decision upon themselves to cancel the event, he said.
The BOK Center issued its own statement, saying the safety and well-being of everyone involved is its absolute priority. After careful consideration, the venue determined the show could not proceed. The venue said it understood the disappointment and apologized to fans who planned to attend.
Some fans traveled hours to see Langley, arriving in cowboy boots, hats and concert shirts before learning the show was off. Rachel Leviste traveled from the Bay Area in California with her family. She said her husband surprised her and their daughter with tickets to Tulsa, turning the concert into a family adventure.
Paige Whinery of Tulsa brought her son to what would have been his first concert. Jessica Henson traveled from Joplin, Missouri, and said she had been planning to attend for a long time. ‘I’m a little brokenhearted right now,’ Henson said.
Outside the BOK Center, fans wore disappointed expressions as they tried to figure out what happened. Some had already received refunds, while others watched as Langley’s team packed up merchandise and prepared to leave. Tabitha Barker of Edmond said she was across the street when she received word of the cancellation. ‘He got an email, and we’ve literally already been refunded,’ Barker said.
Despite the disappointment, Leviste said she understood the decision to prioritize safety. ‘I really do appreciate that she’s considering the fans’, everyone’s safety,’ Leviste said.
Langley’s single Choosin’ Texas has made history. In September, it overtook Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You to become the longest-running number one single in US chart history. Its success helped the singer from Alabama sweep the Academy of Country Music Awards in May.
