Morgan Wallen has announced a significant delay in his tour schedule due to health issues, specifically vocal cord damage. The country music star, known for hits like “Last Night” and “Whiskey Glasses,” shared the news in a heartfelt video posted on Instagram. Wallen revealed that he has been diagnosed with “vocal fold trauma,” a condition caused by excessive and improper use of the voice, according to the National Institute of Health.
In the video, Wallen, 29, explained, “I’m just gonna go ahead and get straight to it. I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt voice center yesterday. After taking 10 days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible.” He continued, “So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I injured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that’s what I’m going to do. They don’t want me to talk at all, but they said that if I need to it’s OK for something like this.”
In addition to his vocal cord issues, Wallen also mentioned that he recently tore his LAT muscle. Due to the required vocal rest, Wallen will miss several scheduled festival performances within the six-week period and will not attend the Academy of Country Music Awards, where he was slated to perform.
A press release from Wallen’s representative stated that tickets for the original dates will be honored for rescheduled performances, and a 30-day refund window will be available once new dates are announced. Wallen emphasized the importance of following his doctors’ advice to ensure a full recovery. “[The doctors] told me that if I do this the right way that I’ll get back to 100%. They also said that if I don’t listen and I keep singing, I’ll permanently damage my voice. So for the longevity of my career, this is the choice I had to make. I hate it but I love you guys,” he said.
Wallen concluded his message with optimism, saying, “I’ll see you soon, and I’ll be back better than ever.”
This isn’t the first time Wallen has faced vocal issues. On April 23, he lost his voice and had to cancel a show in Oxford, Mississippi, just minutes before he was set to perform. Following the cancellation, a security guard at the venue claimed Wallen was too drunk to perform, a statement that was later refuted by the security company and Wallen’s label CEO, who called the claims “false.” Wallen subsequently postponed three more shows in Michigan, Illinois, and Nebraska.
Before returning to the stage in Florida last week, Wallen shared a health update with his fans, apologizing for the last-minute postponements. “What’s up, everybody? I just wanted to let you know I am in Jacksonville, we are going to play a show tonight — and all weekend. I wouldn’t say I’m 100% but I’m doing a lot better,” Wallen said in a short video from the venue.
He also addressed the fans in Oxford, saying, “And to everyone in Oxford, I just wanted to reiterate how sorry I am for the way that went down. I thought I was going to be good to go and I just wasn’t. We’re working on a rescheduled date — we are close to having a rescheduled date, I just don’t have the exact one yet. So as soon as I do, I’ll let you know.”
Wallen signed off with gratitude, “I appreciate you all and I can’t wait to get out onstage tonight. Love you all, thanks for all the support always. God bless you — see you soon.”
The delay in Wallen’s tour has also impacted his scheduled performances at Ohio Stadium in August. The concerts, which include multiple dates, are expected to cause significant travel disruptions on campus. Motorists are advised to allow extra time, plan for delays, and follow traffic officials’ directions. The Olentangy Trail reroute will be moved east to Tuttle Park Place from August 4 to 12 due to heavy event traffic. Several roadways will be closed, parking will be limited, and major CABS service delays are anticipated.
Despite these challenges, fans remain eager to see Wallen perform. His upcoming concert at Hersheypark Stadium, initially delayed due to his vocal condition, is highly anticipated. Wallen’s return to the stage is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his fans, who have shown unwavering support throughout his health struggles.
As Wallen focuses on his recovery, fans can look forward to his return, confident that he will come back stronger and ready to deliver the performances they love.
Source: National Institute of Health, Vanderbilt Voice Center, Morgan Wallen’s Instagram, Academy of Country Music Awards, Ohio Stadium, Hersheypark Stadium
