It seems in today's day and age, some of the top-ranking entertainers consistently phone in cancellations to their upcoming performances. Of the guilty group of performers are Jonas Kaufmann, Anna Netrebko and now, the beloved Ms. Lauryn Hill, who cancelled her performance with the Weeknd for the Grammys.
According to reports, one of the "secret" performances of the night would feature none other than Ms. Hill and Record of the Year contender the Weeknd. Her sultry vocals would have sat well atop Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye's Michael Jackson-esque singing in "In the Night" but the night sadly missed her take the stage.
Apparently, the two were seen rehearsing together and when Hill was a no-show, Tesfaye took the stage solo.
Viewers have reported that the Weeknd's performance seemed off and shaken by the absence of his singing partner. Neil Portnow was less-than enthused when he addressed the allegations on why Ms. Hill was unable to perform.
Portnow said, "It's a disappointment to us and a disappointment to her. Our intention was, and we were ready, right up to the moment of the performance, for her to step up on stage."
This statement, however, has since been contested by Hill's representatives, who said a statement:
"The Grammys 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. 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."
Regardless of the circumstance, Portnow read sullen during his announcement, concluding with a "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."
Who's right? We may never know. But for now, check out the Weeknd's music video for in the night below and imagine Ms. Hill soaring above him.
