Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Rihanna Abruptly Cancels Grammy Performance

Comments

by Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.  |   February 08, 2009 7:34 EST

Rihanna

Rihanna has abruptly canceled her planned performance tonight (Feb. 8) at the 51st annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles' Staples Center, according to an announcement from the Recording Academy, which did not provide further details.

Al Green, who won two R&B Grammys during the pre-telecast, replaced Rihanna in the lineup in a performance with Boyz II Men and Justin Timberlake.

Speculation is rampant that the cancellation is connected to an incident that occurred early this morning involving Rihanna's boyfriend, R&B star Chris Brown.

The Los Angeles Police Department was seeking Brown on a domestic violence felony battery report after he began arguing with the unnamed passenger in a car, said to be Rihanna. The argument escalated after they exited the vehicle but Brown wasn't at the scene by the time police arrived. Brown turned himself in to authorities around 7:15 p.m. PT.

Rihanna performed early this morning at Timbaland's pre-Grammy party. For Billboard.com's Grammy microsite, please click here.

Up for Discussion

Post Comment

Sort By

More Features

All features

Get your recommended daily allowance of music news in one two-minute video dose.

The Chart Game: Can you predict the hotness?

Win Seven Nirvana Albums

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.

open
close

CLICK PLAY TO RESUME