Poppy sat out her scheduled performance at Michigan’s Upheaval Festival on Friday (July 17) as dangerous air quality conditions tied to the ongoing Canadian wildfires swept across the region.

The singer was slated to perform one of the festival’s biggest sets of the day, taking the main stage just before headliners Gojira. Instead, her band took the stage without her, delivering an instrumental-only performance while wearing N95 masks beneath their usual stage attire.

The unusual set quickly sparked discussion online. While many fans expressed support for Poppy’s decision to prioritize her health, others questioned why no announcement was made before the performance. Neither Upheaval Festival nor Poppy addressed the situation publicly before the set, and the performance was absent from the festival’s social media coverage throughout the day.

Poppy later explained the situation in an Instagram Story, writing: “Due to ‘hazardous’ AQI reaching 350+ around our set time I was unable to join my band on stage. I was unable to breathe in those conditions. You might’ve noticed our set was instrumental only. For those who braved the conditions, I applaud you.”

While air quality in Grand Rapids had improved to a “moderate” rating by the time Poppy’s evening set was scheduled, conditions earlier in the day had reached hazardous levels. Michigan has been among the states hit hardest by smoke drifting south from the Canadian wildfires, prompting a statewide air quality alert and leading to numerous outdoor event cancellations. Recent casualties of the smoke-related disruptions included concerts by Mavis Staples in New York City, The Black Keys in Chicago, and John Mellencamp in Clarkston, Michigan.

Earlier on Friday, Upheaval organizers acknowledged the situation in a statement to attendees.

“Our staff and crew has been amazing this week. Please thank them throughout the weekend,” the festival wrote. “Your safety is our number one concern. We encourage you all to pace yourselves today and look out for each other. We are still working with our local officials to monitor the ongoing Air Quality situation that is passing through. Current information shows the Air Quality will improve throughout the day.”

Forecasts suggest conditions will continue improving on Saturday before potentially slipping back into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category on Sunday.

Despite the smoky backdrop, the festival carried on Friday night. Gojira still delivered its headlining performance, though the band was already dealing with a lineup change of its own, with drummer Luigi stepping in behind the kit while regular drummer Mario remained sidelined by visa complications.

What a statement made by Poppy right now

Her entire band is on stage wearing N-95 masks and she’s nowhere to be found

Protecting her money maker that is her voice from the smoke

People may be mad but I totally understand and respect it#Upheavel pic.twitter.com/70K1LH4S5d

— Brandon Cooke (@brandongrhockey) July 17, 2026