Will Philadelphia be refunded for Christina Aguilera's canceled July 4th performance?

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Wednesday, July 8, 2026 9:07PM
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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Christina Aguilera never took the stage at Philadelphia's Fourth of July concert, and the city isn't saying if it will get any money back for the singer's canceled performance.

The award-winning pop star posted videos of her rehearsals ahead of the concert and shared her sadness over not being able to perform.

"Safety always comes first," she wrote.

Severe thunderstorms that night delayed the celebrations on the Ben Franklin Parkway for several hours.

Aguilera was the only artist who skipped her set, but it's unclear if the city had already paid her, and if so, whether a refund is in the works.

Action News asked the office of Mayor Cherelle Parker these questions, but it offered no comment.

The city told us they'd rather focus on the performers who did return after the storms, like The Roots, State Property, Meek Mill and Will Smith along with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Christina Aguilera performs during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Cleveland.
Christina Aguilera performs during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Cleveland.
AP Photo/David Richard

The mayor's office says it will account for all expenses associated with the concert like security, along with the economic benefits from the event.

The city said a comprehensive report will be released at a later time.

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