Ice Spice Shares Apology Following Controversial Australian Festival Appearance

Following a divisive appearance at the Wildlands Festival in Queensland on New Year’s Eve, US hip-hop artist Ice Spice has shared a succinct apology during her Perth set.

The rapper was touted as one of the headline acts for the festival, and was given a 10:30pm slot for the festival’s Brisbane Showgrounds event on December 31st – one day prior to the artist’s 25th birthday.

Later reports indicated her set time was brought forward to 10:25pm, though she did not take the stage until 10:55pm on the night.

As a result, Ice Spice performed only two songs – Deli and Princess Diana – in full, before her mic was cut off during a rendition of third song, In Ha Mood.

Understandably, the response was swift and divisive, with many fans criticising the festival for silencing an international act they had paid to see, and others claiming Ice Spice should have adhered to the scheduled start time.

Ice Spice booed off stage in Australia after showing up 20 minutes late to her show 👀pic.twitter.com/ilqZ59UWuj

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 4, 2025

Wildlands themselves issued a statement on Instagram in the days after the event, defending their decision to cut her performance, and claiming it was done in the pursuit of keeping the festival to time.

"We understand that Ice Spice’s delayed arrival caused some disappointment,” organsisers explained. “Managing a stacked festival means that we have to be extremely firm with set times. We had a strict curfew of 12:30 and need to ensure that the final act went on stage on time, so everyone could enjoy the New Year’s Eve countdown."

Following the event, Ice Spice remained silent in regard to her Queensland performance but remained on the bill for further events. On Saturday, January 4th, the Perth leg of the festival took place at Arena Joondalup, with the US musician appearing on time and performing the full set.

As Perth radio station Youth Jam have reported, Ice Spice took a few moments ahead during her performance to address her controversial appearance in Queensland,

“I’m sorry guys, surely y’all can forgive me,” she was quoted as saying. “It was my birthday and it takes a long time to look like a Barbie.” Ice Spice reportedly then performed her Nicki Minaj collaboration, Barbie World, which had appeared on the soundtrack to the film of the same name.

Though a formal statement from the rapper has not been issued, nor has a specific reason for her delay on December 31st been outlined, Ice Spice wrapped up her current touring plans with a performance as part of the Adelaide leg of the Wildlands Festival on Sunday, January 5th.