Hill was a surprise performer at the 58th annual GRAMMY Awards and was supposed to sing with The Weeknd, who ended up performing a medley of his hits, “In the Night” and “Can’t Feel My Face”.
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Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said after the Grammys that it was a “disappointment” that Hill was a no-show for her performance at the nationally-televised show.
But he was critical of another artist who did not appear – R&B and rap star Lauryn Hill.
The Weeknd began his performance with a strong rendition of “Can’t Feel My Face” on the main stage – and showed off a few new dance moves – but the transition into the Michael Jackson-esque track “In The Night” was a bit underwhelming. “We actually had some rehearsals off-site that she did not attend but we had dress rehearsal this morning in Staples on that stage, which she did attend”.
In a statement to Vox, Hill’s representatives said the Grammy folks made a rather premature announcement regarding Hill’s performance at the event. Ms. Hill was invited to do a collaboration with an artist she appreciates.
“It was meant to be a surprise”, Portnow said. “I guess those things happen”.
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“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 cords”, the statement said. But according to TMZ, she had to pull out at the last minute due to a persistent case of bronchitis. Rihanna was ill and had to cancel just before the show started to prevent vocal chord damage.
