Lauryn Hill & Rihanna Cancel Grammy Appearances

While it seemed the Grammy’s went off without a hitch last night (Feb. 15), they had a few glitches when two stars didn’t show up for their scheduled appearances last night…

Lauryn Hill is known for canceling shows and being a no-show, but this time, according to her rep, it’s no fault of her own. The rumors were (somewhat) true: Lauryn Hill was supposed to perform with The Weeknd, but Hill’s rep says the Grammy organization announced Hill’s appearance without her approval, and Ms. Hill was already booked to capacity.

“The Grammy’s announced a performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill prematurely and without approval. Ms. Hill had concerts all weekend, leaving no time to prepare, and was uncertain she would even be able to make it to L.A. in time to rehearse for the event,” her rep told Billboard. “Any performance that could have happened was never confirmed, and should not have been advertised as such. Ms. Hill was invited to do a collaboration with an artist she appreciates. The performance was intended to be a surprise and unfortunately due to its last minute nature, was unable to come to fruition,” the statement concluded.

However, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow refutes that was the case, and that Hill even attended rehearsals. “It’s a disappointment to us and a disappointment to her,” he told USA Today Hill’s no-show. “Our intention was, and we were ready, right up to the moment of the performance, for her to step up on stage. None of that statement is accurate. She was there for it [rehearsals], completed it and left the building. And then she did not get back in time to make the show. I’m sorry, that’s the bottom line. That’s the truth. That’s unfortunate. I guess those things happen.”

Another star slated to make the Grammys was Rihanna, who was scheduled to perform her song “Kiss It Better,” be she dropped out at the last minute, as well. RiRi attended rehearsals and even walked the red carpet, but doctor’s orders didn’t allow her to follow through.

“Based on Rihanna’s examination, after Grammy rehearsal today, Rihanna’s doctor put her on vocal rest for 48-hours because she was at risk of hemorrhaging her vocal chords,” her rep stated yesterday night. “The antibiotics she has been on for 3-days did not kill the infection adequately therefore she cannot perform safely.”

The singer apologized to her fans on Twitter, tweeting, “#NAVY so sorry I couldn’t be there …..Thanks Grammys and CBS for your support tonight.”