*Lauryn Hill was supposed to perform with The Weeknd at the Grammys on Monday, and the reason it never came to fruition is now in dispute, with Hill and Recording Academy president Neil Portnow each telling separate stories.
The back and forth started on Tuesday, Feb. 16, the day after the Grammys, reports Pitchfork, when Hill’s rep issued a statement explaining her absence:
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 L.A. 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.
Portnow responded hours later in an interview with USA Today, saying Hill actually attended the rehearsal, but never showed up for the live show:
“It’s a disappointment to us and a disappointment to her. Our intention was, and we were ready, right up to the moment of the performance, for her to step up on stage.” He said she attended rehearsal. “She was there for it, completed it and left the building. And then she did not get back in time to make the show. I’m sorry, that’s the bottom line. That’s the truth. That’s unfortunate. I guess those things happen.”
Lauryn Hill’s camp’s clapped back this morning, continuing to blame her absence on logistical issues, despite her “last minute rush to LA, to see if this could happen”:
In regards to the comments this morning from The Grammys, CBS did announce Ms. Hill’s performance, there were official Grammy television ads that ran for a couple of days naming Ms. Hill as a performer on the show. Her camp was unhappy about this. They had made it clear from the start that although Ms. Hill was going to attempt to make the show, she could not confirm, as there were too many logistical issues that could potentially prevent the performance from happening. The performance was also supposed to be a surprise. This was discussed with Grammy organizers, and the TV spots were pulled. As previously mentioned, Ms. Hill attempted a last minute rush to LA, to see if this could happen, but unfortunately timing that day kept it from being a reality. Ms. Hill truly appreciated the invitation, and the efforts made by all parties to try and make the performance happen.
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