Why Rihanna bailed on her Grammys performance

Rihanna pulled out of the Grammys at the last minute due to illness. Photo/AP

Rihanna cancelled her performance at the Grammy awards at the last minute last night due to bronchitis.

The 27-year-old singer was expected to perform her new track Kiss It Better from her new album Anti at the 58th annual ceremony at The Staples Center in Los Angeles but was forced to pull out in the 11th hour under doctor's orders.

Taking to her Twitter account, the brunette beauty apologised for her cancellation, writing: "#NAVY so sorry I couldn't be there ... Thanks Grammys and CBS for your support tonight (sic)."

The Diamonds hitmaker was on medication for the severe chest infection and was warned not to go ahead with her performance or risk permanent damage to her vocal cords.

Despite her doctor's recommendation, Rihanna decided to persevere with rehearsals - even rehearsing the song twice - but at the last minute decided not to go on stage and to leave the venue rather than sticking around to watch.

Rihanna's representative later confirmed to Billboard that she's been put on vocal rest for 48 hours because she was at high risk of "haemorrhaging her vocal cords."

The Bajan babe wasn't the only artist to pull out of the show as Lauryn Hill also cancelled her expected performance with The Weeknd after the event organisers allegedly failed to get approval from her prior to announcing her gig.

Her representative said: "The Grammy's announced a performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill 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."

But even performances that did take place last night at the glamorous award ceremony didn't go according to plan as Justin Bieber and Adele were hit with technical glitches.

- Bang! Showbiz