Global pop star Jennifer Lopez will perform in Armenia, replacing rapper Snoop Dogg, whose planned 2023 concert was canceled due to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the psychological state of displaced persons. The Armenian government approved this change during its July 31 session as part of non-reportable items, according to Sputnik Armenia.
The government decision replaces “Snoop Dogg” with “Jennifer Lopez” in official documentation related to the concert project.
The project organizer, Doping Space, held further discussions with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MESCS), resulting in new concert dates and a new performer.
In 2023, the government allocated over 2.3 billion drams to Doping Space for the original project. No additional public funding will be allocated for Jennifer Lopez’s concert.
According to the justification, the initiative aligns with Armenia’s 2023–2027 cultural strategy, which aims to position the country as a creator and bearer of global cultural values and boost cultural tourism.
Jennifer Lopez's solo concert will take place on August 3 at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, as part of her “UP ALL NIGHT” world tour.
Earlier, the newspaper Zhoghovurd reported that Lopez’s visit to Armenia was made possible through Kim Kardashian’s mediation. However, after the official announcement, no promoter initially stepped forward due to the $1 million cost of organizing the show.
As for the canceled Snoop Dogg concert, MESCS had requested a refund from Doping Space in February, but no response has yet been received. Organizers say most tickets were refunded to buyers.
According to an August 11, 2023 government decision, 2,318,596,800 drams were allocated to Doping Space as a grant for the “World Star Tours in Armenia” project. Snoop Dogg’s fee was $1.8 million. The State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition confirmed that Snoop Dogg agreed to return the full amount, despite the absence of a refund clause in the contract.
