Lauryn Hill finally joined The Weeknd live on stage, almost a week after their ill-fated Grammys performance was due to take place.
Hill joined The Weeknd on The Tonight Show last night (February 19). They performed a new version of his song ‘In The Night’ from the ‘Beauty Behind The Madness’ album. See footage from the moment below.
The pair were supposed to perform the song together at The Grammys on Monday (February 15). However, despite being pictured rehearsing together in the afternoon before the ceremony, Hill failed to appear and The Weeknd performed solo.
A representative for Lauryn Hill explained the singer’s absence, issuing the following 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 LA in time to rehearse for the event,” the statement reads. “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.”
Neil Portnow – president of the Recording Academy – hit back in USA Today, saying that “none of that statement is accurate”, instead saying her absence was “a disappointment to us and a disappointment to her,” adding that “our intention was, and we were ready, right up to the moment of the performance, for her to step up on stage.”
“She was there for it, completed it and left the building. And then she did not get back in time to make the show” he said reffering to her appearance at an earlier dress rehearsal. “I’m sorry, that’s the bottom line. That’s the truth. That’s unfortunate. I guess those things happen.”
The Weeknd won Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance for ‘Earned It’ and Best Urban Contemporary Album for his album ‘Beauty Behind The Madness’.