Popstar Jessica Mauboy has apologised for failing to sing the national anthem at the Melbourne Cup, but fans still don’t know why she didn’t show up.
Mauboy posted a note to Facebook, saying: “Thank you to everyone for all the messages of concern, I am OK. I am so sorry I didn’t perform at the Melbourne Cup yesterday, I was really looking forward to it and of all the days for things to go wrong, unfortunately this was the one. I am so sorry to everyone for the disappointment xxxx JM”
Her management also supplied a statement, saying: “There was a lot going on yesterday … Jess is deeply apologetic and devastated that she disappointed fans and racegoers and wasn’t able to perform at such a prestigious event”.
The note from management blamed a ‘miscommunication with her styling team’ but other reports say it’s actually the second time Jessica has failed to turn up for a scheduled performance, leaving organizers to scramble to find a last-minute replacement.
News Ltd quotes sources saying Jess was “overwhelmed by the last-minute wardrobe kerfuffle … she managed to regain her composure but it was too late to take the stage”.
However, Fairfax Media says the Victorian Racing Club approved two different outfits for Mauboy ahead of the Melbourne Cup and she was wearing one of them: a fascinator by Nerida Winter and dress by designer Johnny Schembri. Both brands are carried exclusively by Myer, which was a race day sponsor.
Fairfax says the VRC is “still seeking an explanation for her last minute absence despite her presence on course”.
“The Club has no details as to why Jessica Mauboy didn’t perform and continues to seek clarification from her management”.
The Herald says Jess was also booked to perform at the VRC’s Beautiful Girls Fashion Lunch in 2013, but cancelled at the last minute, with organisers having to call on Kate Ceberano to take the stage.
Jess is scheduled to appear in Sydney today to promote her fragrance ‘Be Beautiful’ at Priceline.
