Mariah the Scientist was scheduled to perform on Saturday, June 7, at Governors Ball 2025, but just hours before she was expected to hit the stage, her set was suddenly called off without any public explanation — leaving fans confused, disappointed, and frustrated.
The cancellation came amid an already chaotic day at the New York City festival, as severe weather earlier in the afternoon had delayed the festival’s opening by more than four hours, disrupting the day’s schedule and forcing organizers to reshuffle set times across all stages. Even as other performers managed to get back on track — including headliner Olivia Rodrigo — Mariah’s performance never materialized, and no official announcement was made to the crowd gathered at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
A Quiet Cancellation That Confused Fans
Mariah was slated to perform between 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. ET, and many of her fans had already shown up early to secure a good spot. But as her time slot came and went with no appearance, murmurs of confusion spread among the crowd. Festivalgoers received no audible announcement on-site about the change, and no signs were posted near her stage.
Instead, the only official word came via a short-lived Instagram Story posted by the Gov Ball organizers. The statement read simply: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mariah the Scientist will no longer be able to perform.” No further details were given, and the Story disappeared within 24 hours — the only trace of what was one of the day’s more significant scheduling disruptions.
Mariah Apologizes to Fans: “I’m So Sorry”
Following the cancellation, Mariah the Scientist took to her own Instagram account to express her disappointment and apologize directly to fans.
“So upset I’m not getting to perform at Gov Ball today,” she wrote in her Story. “I’m so sorry to everybody who showed up through the traffic and rain. I apologize.”
In a follow-up post, she shared a photo of a rainy window view, adding the caption: “I really wanted to perform.” The heartfelt messages seemed to indicate the cancellation wasn’t in her control, though she did not offer further details.
Billboard reached out to representatives for both Mariah and the festival, but no additional comments or explanations have been provided as of this writing.
Weather Wreaks Havoc on Day Two
Mariah’s canceled set was part of a day already plagued by poor weather conditions, which led to the most dramatic delays the festival has faced in recent memory. Originally scheduled to open its gates at 12 p.m., Gov Ball didn’t allow attendees in until 4:30 p.m. due to forecasts of heavy rain and potential thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.
As a result, several early sets were scrapped entirely, including performances by Lexa Gates, Yaya Bey, and The Backfires. Other artists saw their set times pushed back significantly, and organizers scrambled to keep fans updated on social media.
While Olivia Rodrigo’s headlining set was eventually rescheduled to 9:25 p.m., and performers like Feid and Wave to Earth adjusted accordingly, Mariah’s name was still listed on the updated schedule leading up to her set time. That only fueled fan expectations — and, ultimately, their disappointment.
A Rising Star with Momentum
The cancellation was especially disheartening for fans given the momentum Mariah the Scientist is currently riding. Her single “Burning Blue” recently became her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100, where it currently sits at No. 35. The song’s success has marked a breakthrough moment for the singer-songwriter, whose ethereal vocals and introspective songwriting have earned her a loyal following.
For many fans, Gov Ball was going to be their first opportunity to see her perform live — and they braved muddy grounds, uncertain weather, and a delayed opening just to do so.
What Went Wrong?
As of now, the exact reason for the cancellation remains unclear. Some fans have speculated that lingering logistical issues caused by the earlier weather delays may have played a role, while others wonder if technical difficulties or travel complications prevented Mariah from making it on stage in time.
Still, the lack of communication on the ground has drawn criticism from attendees who felt left in the dark. A few fans took to social media to share their frustrations, pointing out that had they known earlier about the cancellation, they may have restructured their day or avoided the chaos of trying to catch a non-existent performance.
Looking Ahead to Day Three
As Gov Ball heads into its third and final day on Sunday (June 8), organizers will be hoping for smoother sailing — and better weather. Artists slated to perform include Hozier, Clairo, Mt. Joy, The Japanese House, RAYE, and Royel Otis, with more fans expected to turn out for what should be a sunny closing to an otherwise turbulent weekend.
But for fans of Mariah the Scientist, Saturday’s cancellation will remain a disappointing missed opportunity — a reminder that even the biggest festivals are vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of live events, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate.