Photo of The Weeknd performing at 2016 Grammy Awards, by Kevin Winter
After illness forced Rihanna to delay her Anti World Tour, the singer's current trek has hit another snag, with The Weeknd backing out as her opening act.
The upcoming European leg of the tour had been expected to feature support from both Big Sean and The Weeknd, but the latter has now withdrawn.
Rumors of the change first surfaced early Wednesday, forcing Live Nation to issue the following statement: "Due to some unforeseen changes with upcoming projects, The Weeknd will no longer be joining Rihanna on her upcoming international Anti World Tour."
That could be bittersweet news for fans of The Weeknd who had been hoping to see him live but will no doubt welcome these "upcoming projects."
To add to the excitement, Billboard has subsequently cited a source with knowledge of The Weeknd's plans, who says the singer "has hit a stride on his new album and decided not to interrupt the process."