The Weeknd performed solo at the Grammys after Lauryn Hill canceled her appearance last minute with the "Can't Feel My Face" singer. Representatives for Hill and the Grammys have issued conflicting statements on what happened pre-performance.
Hill's rep claimed in statement to Billboard that the Grammys announced her performance "prematurely," but she was invited to perform during the event.
"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 LA in time to rehearse for the event. Any performance that could have happened was never confirmed, and should not have been advertised as such," the rep stated. "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."
A rep for the Grammys responded to Billboard that Hill's appearance was never announced as part of the performance lineup. Another Grammys spokesman told TVLine that Hill "showed up for rehearsals, but arrived too late for the performance."
The Weeknd went on to perform his hit songs "Can't Feel My Face" and "In the Night."
Hill wasn't the only one to cancel her performance last minute. Rihanna was scheduled to perform her song "Kiss Me Better," but had to drop out because of bronchitis. Her antibiotics didn't clear the infection and she "was at risk of hemorrhaging her vocal chords."
