Santiago, Chile – Chilean singer Fran Valenzuela has unexpectedly canceled her performance at this weekend’s Teletón, the country’s annual televised charity drive, citing a health issue. The cancellation comes as the Teletón returns to the Estadio Nacional after a three-year pause due to pandemic restrictions, making this year’s event notably anticipated for supporters and those it benefits. Valenzuela’s withdrawal impacts both the Teletón gala on November 29th and a separate performance scheduled for November 30th in Valparaíso.
Chilean singer Fran Valenzuela has been forced to cancel her highly anticipated performance at the closing of the Teletón, a nationally televised fundraising event, due to a health issue. The cancellation comes just days before the event’s return to the Estadio Nacional after a three-year hiatus.
Valenzuela announced the news on her social media channels, also revealing she would be unable to perform at Rockódromo in Valparaíso on Sunday, November 30th. “Queridxs, due to health issues, I will not be able to participate in the Teletón show at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago (Saturday, November 29th) nor at Rockódromo de Valparaíso (Sunday, November 30th),” she wrote.
“I sincerely apologize. In my career, I have rarely had to cancel a show on my own. It’s incredibly difficult for me to cancel commitments that I take so seriously, that I honor and respect, but I have to listen to my body and recover soon,” Valenzuela continued in her statement.
She added a message specifically for her fans in Valparaíso, saying, “Valparaíso: I owe you a concert. I love you all very much! Enjoy the festival! Teletón: I admire you very much, always here willing to support.”
The Teletón’s return to the Estadio Nacional in Ñuñoa marks a significant moment for the Chilean charity, which relies on the annual event to raise funds for people with disabilities. The event is a cornerstone of Chilean television and philanthropy.
A star-studded lineup is still scheduled to perform at the event on Saturday, November 29th, including Myriam Hernández, Pablo Alborán, Zúmbale Primo, Ana Torroja, Lucero, and María José Quintanilla. The show will also feature performances by magician Jean Paul Olhaberry and comedian Stefan Kramer.
The 27-hour fundraising marathon is set to begin at 10:00 PM local time on November 29th.
