Illness forces Hollie Smith to cancel Mudtopia performance

HOLLY SMITH

Kiwi songstress Hollie Smith has been forced to cancel her performance at Mudtopia Festival in Rotorua due to sickness.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Bailey Wiley will fill the Mud Stage slot vacated by Smith tomorrow at 3.10pm – 4.10pm.

Rising star Bailey Wiley will fill in for Hollie Smith at Mudtopia. Photo/Supplied

Smith said in 24 years of performing she had never cancelled a gig due to sickness so she was devastated to announce she wouldn't be able to perform tomorrow.

"I sung sick last week which has developed into laryngitis and so to try and get through tomorrow could potentially create permanent damage so have had to accept my specialist's advice and stay on vocal rest," she said.

"I was super excited to come down and see you all at Mudtopia but hopefully I can come back another time. My super, super, dupa hot and talented body double Bailey Wiley will be taking the stage for me so you won't be disappointed.

"To anyone coming who was wanting to see me, I hope you can understand. I'm going back to bed to cry for a bit. Have fun for me. I already have major FOMO [fear of missing out]."

The Mudtopia Festival opened today at Rotorua Racecourse and features live music across three days from Kiwi artists Anika Moa, Jason Kerrison, Jupiter Project, Aroha, Melodownz, Rotorua's own Shaquille Graham and more.

Wiley's latest track Lady, has recently been released as a taste of her new EP due for release in 2018.

Tomorrow night's R18 concert will feature Shapeshifter, Peking Duk and Chores.