Anita Baker Reportedly Asked Babyface Not to Open At Concert in New Jersey

The past rift between R&B veterans Anita Baker and Babyface might have been reinstated. On Wednesday night (May 10) attendees of Baker’s tour stop in New Jersey (with Babyface as opener) were frustrated with a two-hour delay when the “When Can I See You” singer-songwriter was expected to perform.

The crowd was told that there was a technical glitch, but Babyface, legal name Kenneth Edmonds, went to Instagram and revealed that the ‘The Songstress’ didn’t want him to perform that evening.

“I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at the Prudential Center,” Edmonds wrote in his Instagram Story. “I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety. My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.”

R&B enthusiasts on social media began to discuss rumors of Baker’s ‘diva-like’ behavior, with some highlighting her alleged issues with vocalists Stephanie Mills and Babyface.

In 2006, Edmonds filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Baker, saying that the vocalist broke two oral agreements. Edmonds also said that the two were scheduled to perform four concerts together, but Baker canceled two, refusing to pay $150,000 for the dates.

Some New Jersey concert goers have since demanded refunds, also claiming that the audio at Prudential Center wasn’t functioning properly. While its uncertain if Babyface will continue as opener, Baker’s ‘The Songstress’ Tour is scheduled to continue with stops in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles and more before ending in Oakland on December 23.