The singer Babyface’s fans were left disappointed on Wednesday night after he never went on for his scheduled set.

The 64-year-old singer–songwriter (real name: Kenneth Brian Edmonds) was supposed to be opening for Anita Baker, 65, but technical delays significantly pushed back the start time, according to TMZ.

In an Instagram post addressing his fans, Babyface appeared to put the blame for his lack of a set on Baker, claiming he had been asked not to perform in order to give the singer ‘her space and time to perform her show in its entirety.’

The show in Newark, New Jersey, was pushed back by two hours, significantly frustrating fans who were excited to see Babyface and Baker.

Once the show finally got underway, the audience was informed that it had been pushed back due to ‘technical delays,’ and therefore Babyface would not be performing.

Missed out: Babyface, 64, let fans in Newark, NJ, disappointed on Wednesday after his one-hour opening set was canceled after two hours of delays at his show with Anita Baker, 65; seen in April in Beverly Hills

According to TMZ, technical problems with video screens and sound issues pushed the show back two hours. Babyface did not go on, but Baker performed her full set; seen in 2017

There were reportedly plenty of boos from the audience, and Babyface’s short statement on social media doesn’t appear to have calmed down angry fans.

‘I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at the Prudential Center,’ he began.

‘I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety,’ Babyface claimed. ‘My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight 💔.’ 

Fans expressed their dissatisfaction in the comments on Instagram and Twitter, though several directed their anger at Baker and interpreted his post as a swipe at her.

‘Kenneth, I ain’t gonna lie. I am BIG MAD! I paid for you. This experience has been a s***show,’ complained one person who said they were trying to book a hotel to see him at a later date.

‘For those that are going, just scream “BABYFACE” during her set. That should do the trick!’ joked another person, while some fans suggested that Baker should have instead been headlining for Babyface.

Sources with the production told TMZ that it was the large video screens that allowed Baker to be seen by fans in the nosebleed sections that had malfunctioned and pushed back the start time by multiple hours.

The touring company reportedly couldn’t get them to work properly, and there were also sound issues that continued even once the performance had started.

While some fans would likely have been happy to stay late for a delayed show, the venue had an 11 p.m. curfew, meaning that the entire show as planned could not go on. 

Pointing fingers: In an Instagram post addressing his fans, Babyface appeared to blame his lack of a set on Baker, claiming he had been asked not to perform in order to give the singer ‘her space and time to perform her show in its entirety’

Back and forth: Sources said there were discussions about shortening his set, but it was eventually decided to just have Baker go on, according to TMZ; seen in February in Glendale, Arizona

No bad blood: In a statement, Babyface clarified to TMZ that he had just reiterated what a stage hand told him, and he had no beef with Baker; seen in 2004

Sources said there were discussions about shortening Babyface’s set, which normally runs for one hour, but it was ultimately canceled to give Baker all the time she needed. 

Although fans interpreted Babyface’s post as a swipe at Baker, sources on the tour claimed there was no sign of tensions between the two, and they have been touring since January. 

Babyface later clarified his stance on Baker in a statement to TMZ, suggesting that he held no ill will toward her.

‘I would never shade Anita Baker. I have too much love and respect for her, and I look forward to continuing the tour,’ he said. ‘I was just reiterating what the stage hand was saying following all of the tech difficulties.’