The last few weeks have been a dramatic time for the music industry (and the world). While Troye Sivan is self-leaking his own music and Dua Lipa has moved her release date forward after having a meltdown on Instagram live, now — in somewhat less chaotic form — Lady Gaga has announced the postponement of her upcoming sixth album, Chromatica.
“While I believe art is one of the strongest things we have to provide joy and healing to each other during times like this, it just doesn’t feel right to me to release this album with all that is going on during this global pandemic” Mother Monster said in a statement posted to Twitter and Instagram.
LG6 was slated to be released on 10 April. “Instead I prefer that we spend this time focusing on finding solutions,” Gaga said. “It’s important to me that the attention is on getting essential medical equipment to healthcare professionals, making sure kids who depend on public schools for meals get the assistance they need, and that we help those who will be financially impacted by this pandemic.”
The statement also revealed other plans that have fallen through, including the April and early May shows of Gaga’s Vegas residency as well as a secret Coachella set. As yet, the six-date Chromatica Ball Tour planned to start in July has not been changed.
“I hope you can see that when the album does come out, I want us to be able to dance together, sweat together, hug and kiss each other, and make it the most bombastic celebration of all time. And until that time comes, LET’S ALL STAY HOME!” Gaga asked her fans, also calling on them to be “Kindness Punks” to others at this difficult time.
As disappointing as this news is, Gaga is using her platform to focus attention on where it is needed most right now and we must commend her leadership. Now go stream Joanne while we mourn our loss and dream of a Chromatica-filled, pandemic-free future.