The Weeknd‘s live performance at last night’s Grammy Awards was intended to include a surprise cameo from Lauryn Hill, however she reportedlt failed to arrive at the ceremony on time.
The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) performed a medley of his hits ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ and ‘In The Night’, with his performance introduced by Ariana Grande, who also sang a snippet of their collaboration ‘Earned It’.
A representative for Lauryn Hill explained the singer’s absence, issuing the following statement to Pitchfork:
“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.”
PressHowever, Vulture reports that while Hill didn’t arrive in time for the performance on the night, she did attend the dress rehearsal a day earlier. National Academy Of Recording Arts And Sciences president Neil Portnow made the claims backstage at the Grammys.
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’. Watch his live performance below.