Recording Academy President Says Lauryn Hill Was Scheduled to Perform at Grammys But Didn't Show Up

Photo of Lauryn Hill performing on 'Tonight Show,' by Douglas Gorenstein


Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow says Lauryn Hill was indeed scheduled to perform at Monday's 58th Grammy Awards, but she simply didn't show.

Portnow's comments came after tonight's show, speaking with the media after Hill issued a statement claiming the Grammys included her name on the lineup "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," said a statement from Hill's representative. "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."

According to rehearsal schedules, Hill had been slated to perform with The Weeknd. A rep for the Grammys noted that she hadn't been formally announced as a performer (she was never included in a press release), but as recently as Friday, CBS was running ads promoting her performance.

Portnow said that even in the final minutes leading up to tonight's ceremony, Hill's camp was communicating that she was "five minutes, seven minutes" away from the STAPLES Center. And then she never appeared.

"I know if I had somewhere I had to be," Portnow said, "I would make sure I was there and on time."