Lauryn Hill explains canceled Grammys performance

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Lauryn Hill was expected to perform at the 2016 Grammy Awards on Monday, but canceled the day of the ceremony.

The 40-year-old singer was slated to sing a surprise duet with The Weeknd, who performed his songs "Can't Feel My Face and "In the Night" solo after Hill was a no-show.

"The Grammys announced a performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill prematurely and without approval," Hill's reps said in a statement. "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."

"Any performance that could have happened was never confirmed, and should not have been advertised as such," her camp added. "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."

Sources, including PR rep Simone Smalls, claimed Hill did make it to rehearsals, contrary to the singer's statement. Insiders also told Entertainment Weekly the star returned to the Staples Center, the site of the ceremony, after The Weeknd started performing.

"Wow...was at rehearsals & Lauryn Hill rehearsed w/ The Wkend & now she is not for the telecast. Guess she pulled out. #grammys," Smalls tweeted Monday afternoon.

"Lauryn Hill & her background singers rehearsed twice with The Wkend earlier today & it was a good performance. Not sure what happened," she added.

Hill is an eight-time Grammy winner who last won Album of the Year for Supernatural in 2000. She released two singles, including the controversial "Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)," in 2013, and contributed to the What Happened, Miss Simone? soundtrack last year.