World-renowned music producer DJ Tiesto has pulled out of performing at the Super Bowl because of an undisclosed family matter.
Tiesto, who has repeatedly been named the best DJ in the world during his 40-year career, had been expected to warm up the crowd before kick-off and perform throughout the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas on Sunday.
However, the 55-year-old wrote on social media on Thursday that he will miss the match as he needed to return home.
The Dutch DJ, whose real name is Tijs Verwest, wrote on X: “It was a tough decision to miss the game, but family always comes first.”
The Grammy winner did not provide details about the emergency. He married model Annika Backes in 2019 and the couple have two children.
His performances scheduled for Friday evening in New York and Saturday evening in Las Vegas – where the Super Bowl is being held – have not been cancelled, according to his website.
Tiesto said in his message he will need to return home “on Sunday”.
The Dutchman previously performed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
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American DJ Ryan Raddon, better known as Kaskade, will replace Tiesto during Sunday’s game.
He wrote on social media he was “beyond excited” for the opportunity.
R&B singer Usher will headline the halftime show while Reba McEntire will sing the US national anthem.
The Super Bowl is the biggest game in American football and is one of the most-watched TV events in the US each year.
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It has gained even more attention this year, since Kansas City’s tight end Travis Kelce began dating pop star Taylor Swift.
Swift is due to play in Tokyo on Saturday, but last week, the Japanese Embassy in Washington DC put out a statement reassuring fans the 34-year-old singer will make it to Nevada in time to see her partner play.
