ATLANTA — The internet is freaking out over Normani and Sam Smith canceling their Billboard awards performance
A highly-anticipated performance by Sam Smith and Normani at the upcoming 2019 Billboard Awards has been canceled, and now fans are upset and looking for answers.
If you listen to radio or consume YouTube, chances are you’ve probably heard Sam Smith and Normani’s latest record “Dancing with A Stranger,” a duet that is quickly becoming a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Smith not only canceled the performance on the televised event, but he also canceled a string of performances in Azerbaijan this week. The “Not the Only One” singer shared that he strained his vocal chords during his South African tour.
Normani, a native of Atlanta, released an apologetic statement on social media.
“Today’s news of the performance cancellation truly disappoints me as I know it disappoints you,” Normani wrote. “I have the most amazing and loyal fans to exist and I absolutely hate to say that I will unfortunately will not be able to move forward with performing at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. I’m heartbroken.”
Fans who witnessed Normani’s debut solo performance with Khalid at the 2018 Billboard Awards were stunned with the singer’s dance moves and vocal power. Some critics compared her style to Beyoncé.
Smith and Normani have never performed “Dancing with A Stranger” live together, so the anticipation has heightened as the song becomes a bigger hit.
The former Fifth Harmony star’s fans started a hashtag, #LETNORMANIPERFORM, following the news of Sam’s vocal rest.
The collaborators have expressed their love for one another over the years, and will have to wait just a little bit longer to share their live version with the world.
Smith is taking even more time to preserve his vocals while on tour. Back in 2015, the singer underwent surgery to stop recurrent vocal cord hemorrhage (bleeding).
Normani recently hit the road for the first time as a solo artist and is currently performing as an opening act for Ariana Grande's SWEETNER tour throughout this U.S.
