Lovato set to headline All-Star Concert
Takes over top billing after Grande's recent health issues
Demi Lovato will replace Ariana Grande as the headlining artist for the Budweiser All-Star Concert on Saturday at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Major League Baseball announced Wednesday.
Lovato's performance will include her debut smash single, "Cool for the Summer" off her forthcoming fifth studio album. The announcement comes as a result of Grande's recent health issues. All tickets previously obtained by fans will be honored for the event, part of the Pepsi Music Series.
"I'm so excited to be headlining the MLB All-Star Concert," Lovato said. "I hope my fans in Cincinnati are ready to get 'Cool for the Summer!'"
"Demi Lovato is one of today's best young artists and we know she will provide fans with a fantastic experience they won't soon forget," said Tony Petitti, COO of MLB. "We're disappointed that Ariana Grande cannot partake in the All-Star festivities, but wish her a speedy recovery."
The concert, which also features musical guest Rixton, will start at 8 p.m. ET rain or shine, and gates open to the public at 5 p.m. A special fireworks show will be conducted immediately after the concert.
Fans can obtain either a free general-admission ticket or free on-field standing-room ticket based on availability at allstargame.com/concert. Free tickets, which may not be sold, must be downloaded, printed and brought to Paul Brown Stadium for entry to the concert. Tickets will be limited to four per individual request.
"As always, it is a pleasure to be a part of MLB All-Star Week," said Brian Perkins, vice president of marketing at Budweiser. "Major League Baseball has always been a valuable partner of the brand, and they continue to impress with amazing opportunities for Budweiser to activate, not only during All-Star Week festivities, but throughout the baseball season."
"The intersection of sports and music is built into our history at Pepsi, and we are excited to partner with MLB on an All-Star Week music series," added Melissa Dunhaime, senior sports marketing manager at Pepsi.
All concert attendees will be screened at security checkpoints before entering the stadium. No umbrellas, ice chests, Frisbees, laser pointers, noisemaking devices or other specified items are permitted. A full list of prohibited and acceptable items is available at allstargame.com/concert.
The 86th All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile will be televised nationally by FOX Sports (7 p.m. ET air time, 8:15 first pitch), in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.