World-famous country singer abruptly cancels show after a family emergency sprang up
Country singer Lauren Alaina has been forced to pull out of the lineup for Bands at Barnard, the last show of the Summer Concert Series due to a family emergency.
Country station 92.5 WBEE in Rochester held the event on Wednesday and continued on with other performances from Flint Creek and Tryst. They encouraged fans to sign a card when they come in for Lauren and her family.
The WBEE announced to Twitter on Tuesday, August 28:
"Due to a family medical emergency @Lauren_Alaina will not be appearing Wednesday night at Bands at Barnard. There will still be great music with Flint Creek & Tryst. Stop by the WBEE booth and sign the huge card which we will forward onto Lauren and her family."
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The artist took to social media and said she is "really sorry [she] can't be there. Love you guys."
While no explanation has been given, in late June 2018 Alaina shared that her stepfather, Sam Ramker, is battling Stage 4 cancer.
On Tuesday, his wife Kristy Alaina updated the GoFundMe page set up on Ramker's behalf:
"Update on Sam! He is currently in ICU due to a infection in his lungs. Today they are going to be draining the fluid. Please keep us in your prayers. Treatment is going well. We just hit a speed bump on the road. Treatment will continue this week as planned. Thanks everyone for all the prayers and donations. Our family is so grateful."
Fans on social media are understanding of the "Doin' Fine" singer's difficult circumstances. They received assurance from WBEE who said they are "working with Lauren's record label to schedule another date for her to come and perform for fans here in Rochester."
Many followers expressed words of comfort and prayers. Sam said, "I love u [sic] so much. Thinking about you and your family." While Charly commented how proud she is and is "sending you & your family lots of love and prayers."
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In a post referencing her nomination at the CMA awards, Alaina said:
"God always shines some light in a time of darkness. It's been a tough week for my family, but this brightened everything up a little. Thank you to all the people who made this nomination possible. You know who you are. @CountryMusic"
Alaina was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the CMA's. The 52nd Annual CMA Awards are scheduled for November 14 at 8/7c on ABC.
In April 2018, Alaina performed with long-time friend Kane Brown at the ACM Awards in Las Vegas. The two sang "What Ifs" together, finishing off with a tense face-to-face close up towards the end.
Both are involved with other partners though, so the chemistry they showed was interesting to viewers. More so, their incredible vocals were an honor to witness.
Later on, in July 2018, Alaina revealed that she and long-time boyfriend Alex Hopkins were engaged. She shared a photo of herself and her new fiancé that showed off her engagement ring.