It was billed as Rihanna’s big return to the stage, so organisers understandably were sent into a panic when she pulled out of her imminent Grammys performance.
According TMZ, who broke the story just minutes ago, the 27-year-old arrived at LA’s Staples Centre for the final run-through, before abruptly cancelling.
Sources tell the US gossip website that she’s been “struggling with bronchitis” and is on medication.
Rihanna bailed on her big Grammys comeback on doctor’s orders.
“We’re told a doctor on site recommended she pull the plug because it could permanently damage her vocal chords,” the site says.
“Our sources say Rihanna wanted to perform but reluctantly decided she had to listen to doctors. She’s left Staples Centre and is going home.”
Since TMZ’s report, Rihanna has since released a statement to Entertainment Weekly.
“Her doctors have put her on rest for 48 hours because she’s at risk of haemorrhaging her vocal chords,” says her rep.
The singer was planning to sing Kiss Me Better, and rehearsed twice before making the call.
That said, witnesses at New York’s Up & Down nightclub on Friday night didn’t report any signs of illness when she was partying there.
Coincidentally, it’s been a year since it was reported that Rihanna was getting cosy with Leonardo DiCaprio. Days later the actor also just happened to be at the club as the Barbadian singer.
It’s not clear whether the two interacted once inside the venue, and they were photographed leaving separately.
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