Billy Porter Breaks the Internet with Bold Red Carpet Look and Surprise Career Announcement

MANCHESTER, UK — Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner Billy Porter has been forced to cancel his highly anticipated headline set at Manchester Pride 2025 after falling ill, festival organizers confirmed late Monday night. The “Pose” star was slated to close the Mardi Gras stage on Sunday, August 24, a booking widely promoted as one of the biggest draws of this year’s four-day celebration. Less than 24 hours before showtime, Pride chiefs announced that Porter was “under doctor’s orders to rest” and would not travel to Manchester. Festival CEO Mark Fletcher said the team is “devastated for Billy and wish him a speedy recovery,” adding that drag superstar Tia Kofi and dance-pop duo Flo will extend their sets to fill the vacant slot. Ticket-holders can still expect “a full evening of queer excellence,” he stressed. Porter’s representative echoed concerns for the 55-year-old performer, noting that the illness is “non-COVID, but significant enough to require complete vocal rest.” The spokesperson did not specify whether upcoming West End rehearsals for Porter’s hotly anticipated turn as the Emcee in Cabaret will be affected. The Broadway icon is due to begin previews at London’s Playhouse Theatre on September 27, fresh off a sold-out U.S. symphony tour celebrating his three-decade career. Fans flocked to social media with messages of support, using hashtags #GetWellBilly and #ManchesterPride to send love. “Health first—your community will be here when you’re ready,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another fan posted a video of Porter’s electrifying 2021 Grammy performance, reminding viewers “why his return will be worth the wait.” Industry insiders say the cancellation underscores the physical demands Porter faces as he balances stage work, television commitments and the upcoming release of his second studio album, Black Mona Lisa, slated for October 11. “Eight shows a week in Cabaret is no joke; he has to protect that instrument,” vocal coach Joan Lader told BroadwayWorld. Manchester Pride has invited ticket-holders to donate unused refunds to the festival’s Community Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ health and housing initiatives across Greater Manchester. Organizers have also confirmed that Friday headliner Jessie Ware and Saturday co-headliners Todrick Hall and Years & Years remain unaffected. Porter has not yet commented directly, but his last Instagram post—a photo from Cabaret rehearsals captioned “Turning lemons into life, honey”—suggests the star remains optimistic. Key Takeaways for Searchers • Billy Porter cancels Manchester Pride headline set due to illness. • Organizers rework Sunday lineup; show will go on with local and national LGBTQ+ acts. • Porter's upcoming Cabaret run and new album still scheduled, pending health updates. Fans eager for the latest on Billy Porter’s recovery and future tour dates should follow his official channels and Manchester Pride’s website for real-time updates.