Lauryn Hill cancelled surprise Grammys performance

R&B star Lauryn Hill cancelled a surprise appearance with The Weeknd at the Grammy Awards on Monday (15Feb16) due to the ceremony's "last minute nature".

The former Fugees singer was scheduled to join the Canadian star during his set at the annual prizegiving, but failed to take the stage with him when he performed his hits Can't Feel My Face and In The Night in Los Angeles.

After The Weeknd's performance, Hill's representative explained why the singer was a no-show in a statement, which read: "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. 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."

Hill wasn't the only last-minute cancellation at the 58th annual Grammy Awards - Rihanna was also slated to take the stage and even attended rehearsals on Monday afternoon, but due to a risk of "hemorrhaging vocal cords", her doctor put her on vocal rest for 48 hours, thus forcing her to axe her set.

Rihanna's representative confirmed the star had been diagnosed with bronchitis, but was still determined to perform at the Grammys until her doctors told her she could be doing great damage if she sang at music's big night.

Rihanna later tweeted an apology to fans, writing: "#NAVY so sorry I couldn't be there... Thanks Grammys and CBS for your support tonight."

She was set to perform her new song Kiss It Better.