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Singer Lauryn Hill poses with her five Grammy awar

The world is still talking about the 58th Annual Grammy Awards – between Kendrick Lamar putting on for the culture and Beyonce surprising us in an unforgettable wedding dress, it was a great show and a great night for fashion.

Still, there were some disappointments. Mid-show, the cancellation of Rihanna’s “Kiss It Better” performance spread like wildfire. Viewers were also expecting all-time favorite Lauryn Hill to hit the stage, but we soon learned that wasn’t happening either.

Rumor had it, Lauryn would not bless us with those Miseducated vocals due to the gig’s “last-minute” nature.

In a statement, her camp explained her performance was advertised without confirmation and furthermore, was meant to be a surprise.

Her original statement went as follows:

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.

To which, Recording Academy President Neil Portnow responded:

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.”

Now, Lauryn’s reps have put out another statement, again emphasizing that the surprise performance was never confirmed:

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.

Did the Academy try to pressure Lauryn into performing by announcing she’d be there, even with the knowledge that she might not be able to make it? Either way, we’d like to see the legend on stage next year.

Leave your thoughts below.

SOURCE: Pitchfork | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

Lauryn Hill’s Camp Says She “Truly Appreciated” Grammy Invitation In New Statement  was originally published on globalgrind.com