Mary J. Blige isn’t holding back when it comes to protecting her creative process. The Grammy-winning Queen of Hip-Hop Soul recently revealed that she fired a staff member after a portion of the setlist for her upcoming For My Fans Tour leaked online. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Blige opened up about her decision, her plans for the tour, and why she’s making this year all about celebrating women.
The Fallout from the Setlist Leak
Mary J. Blige was deeply disappointed when she discovered that part of her highly anticipated tour setlist had been leaked online. The breach, which she described as “unprofessional,” came after weeks of hard work finalizing the details of her 36-city tour. Blige didn’t hesitate to take action.
“Yeah, I was pissed, and I fired someone because of it,” she told PEOPLE. “We worked too hard, and the setlist is the most private thing. It was somebody within the camp, and they risked their whole life just to get a couple of likes.”
Despite her frustration, Blige reassured fans that the leak was only partial. While a glimpse of the setlist made its way online, the majority of the surprises remain intact. “Only a little bit got leaked, and that’s not even half,” she explained. “People don’t even know what else is coming.”
A Tour That’s All About Celebrating Women
Blige’s For My Fans Tour is shaping up to be a celebration of love and empowerment, featuring R&B stars Mario and Ne-Yo as her supporting acts. Known for their soulful ballads, both artists were handpicked by Blige to ensure the tour focuses on making women feel special.
“I love Ne-Yo and Mario, and I think those two guys have some of the best love songs of their generation,” said Blige. “Last time, I had Queen Naija and Ella Mai [on the Good Morning Gorgeous Tour]. This time I said, ‘We really need the women to be serenaded this time.’”
Blige has always been an advocate for uplifting women through her music and performances. This tour, she emphasized, is about creating an atmosphere of celebration and connection for her fans. “It’s time for women to feel special,” she added, promising a memorable experience.
Keeping the Surprises Coming
Despite the setback of the leaked setlist, Blige is determined to keep the focus on what matters most: her fans and the music. She took to Instagram shortly after the incident to address the situation, assuring fans that the leak didn’t spoil the surprises she has in store.
“This kinda hurts and it’s sad to see this leaked,” she wrote in an Instagram story on Jan. 18. “I wanted to surprise my fans with something special. But this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what I have planned.”
Blige’s commitment to her craft and her fans remains unwavering. With her tour kicking off on January 30 in Greensboro, NC, and wrapping on April 17 in Philadelphia, PA, she’s ready to prove why she remains an icon in the music industry. “This tour is about love, music, and connection,” Blige said. “And trust me, the best is yet to come.”
