Mary J. Blige Fires Staffer After Tour Setlist Leak: “I Was Pissed”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In a rare and candid revelation, Mary J. Blige confirmed she recently fired a staff member following the leak of her highly guarded setlist for the upcoming For My Fans Tour. The incident, which surfaced in late January 2025, sent shockwaves through the music world and underscored the importance of trust and confidentiality behind the scenes of major concert productions.
The partial setlist, which included hits alongside songs from Blige’s Gratitude album, was leaked online well before the tour’s kickoff—denting the surprise and anticipation Blige hoped to create for her fans. The leak reportedly came from someone within her own team, a betrayal Blige didn’t take lightly.
“I was pissed, and I fired someone because of it,” Blige admitted in an exclusive interview with Vibe Magazine. She described the leak as “unprofessional” and a risk the individual took “just to get a couple of likes,” according to reports from Complex. The singer emphasized the tremendous effort that goes into curating a tour setlist, calling it “the most private thing” and highlighting how the breach undermined months of preparation.
Blige first addressed the leak publicly via an Instagram story on January 18, 2025, expressing disappointment: “This kinda hurts and it’s sad to see this leaked. I wanted to surprise my fans with something special. But this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what I have planned,” as reported by The Jasmine Brand. Subsequent interviews echoed her frustration, with Blige reminding fans that “we worked too hard” to let such a leak ruin the experience.
The For My Fans Tour is a major event in Blige’s career, slated to run from January 30 through April 17, covering 36 cities across the U.S. The setlist is a critical component designed to create a unique concert atmosphere. The leak—especially so close to the tour’s start—posed a serious threat to the element of surprise and overall fan excitement.
This incident throws light on the challenges artists face in an age where information can spread instantly on social media, often for fleeting online fame. Blige’s decisive action sends a strong message about the high stakes of tour security and the need for loyalty within an artist’s inner circle.
While the firing has not sparked public controversy, it raises important questions about how teams manage sensitive information. Fans and industry insiders alike are reminded that behind every hit and every performance lies a carefully guarded process that demands respect and discretion.
As Mary J. Blige’s For My Fans Tour proceeds, fans can look forward to a show full of surprises—secured by the artist’s commitment to protect her vision and deliver an unforgettable experience.
