Lauren Daigle Fires Back to Mayor Cantrell
Christian artist and Acadiana native Lauren Daigle has released a statement concerning her New Orleans French Quarter performance that has New Orleans Mayor Cantrell still angry and "Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve" deciding to not broadcast from New Orleans this year.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell continues to have ill feelings toward singer Lauren Daigle after her spontaneous performance during a French Quarter concert in which many onlookers did not exercise social distancing guidelines or wear masks.
Cantrell, waging her continued war against the singer, sent a letter to "Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve" asking for Daigle to be pulled from the lineup this year. In somewhat of a backfire, executives of the show decided to pull the plug on New Orleans, entirely. This year, "Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve" will not broadcast from New Orleans.
An official from Dick Clark Productions told WDSU in New Orleans that Daigle was never officially on the lineup in the first place.
WDSU has posted Laren Daigle's statement in response to the French Quarter performance, Mayor Cantrell's involvement with Dick Clark Productions and proclaims her love for New Orleans and the people of Louisiana.
I love the city of New Orleans. Its music, culture and creative people are unlike any other, and its rich history should be celebrated. That is what my work within the city has always focused on - my deep desire to see New Orleans and its music scene flourish.
"To be clear, I had no part in creating or planning the event that took place in the French Quarter last month. I was not scheduled to perform, and I was not a part of its promotion. Out riding my bike with a friend, I saw NOPD barricades set in place and uniformed police officers providing protection for a gathering of people that had come to pray. I was asked to sing. To me, that is the very moment when music serves its higher purpose. It’s what gives people encouragement, hope for a better future, and it’s what can usher joy into their hearts. My involvement was focused on lifting spirits, providing hope, and encouragement, during these polarizing times.
"I’m disappointed that my spontaneous participation has become part of the political discourse and I’m saddened by the divisive agendas of these times. I would have been, and still would be, honored to represent our city on New Year’s Eve and although I was aware of discussions regarding my involvement, an offer was never made. I have wept, pleading for this chaos to dissipate and for harmony to return. We need unity when people are desperate, suffering, starving or out of work.
"I have a deep and profound love for the state of Louisiana, for the city of New Orleans and the people that reside here. I want to thank everyone who has offered kind words and support. They have been a balm for my soul throughout this process.-Lauren Daigle
Officials in Baton Rouge are not very happy with Cantrell's letter causing the cancellation of the New Year's Eve broadcast claiming the state will lose tourism dollars and now there's a risk Dick Clark Productions may not return.