Australian pop sensation Jessica Mauboy created something of a stir this week when she did not appear for a planned performance of the national anthem during Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, with rumours circulating about why she was a no-show.
Mauboy reportedly went AWOL after pulling out of the performance just minutes before she was set to take stage. The singer had even been introduced to the crowd by announcers, but another singer, Nadia Aya, was forced to take her place.
“We were very disappointed that Jessica Mauboy was on course and didn’t perform today,” Victoria Racing Club chief executive Simon Love said. “We were grateful that Nadia Aya could perform the national anthem ahead of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.”
Mauboy has now broken her silence on the mysterious no-show, writing on social media, “Thank you to everyone for all the messages of concern, I am OK. I am so sorry I didn’t perform at the Melbourne Cup yesterday.”
“I was really looking forward to it and of all the days for things to go wrong, unfortunately this was the one. I am so sorry to everyone for the disappointment xxxx JM.” Meanwhile, Mauboy’s management have released a follow-up statement.
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“There was a lot going on yesterday and there was miscommunication with her styling team, unfortunately by the time it was resolved the call time had been missed,” her management’s statement, via News Corp, read.
“Known for her professionalism and her incredible work ethic, Jess is deeply apologetic and devastated that she disappointed fans and racegoers and wasn’t able to perform at such a prestigious event.”
A representative for the ARIA winner had claimed the cancellation was caused by issues over “clothing and preparation”, as rumours circulated that Mauboy had apparently refused to wear the footwear that was supplied for her performance.
According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, Mauboy refused to wear shoes supplied by official race sponsor Myer and instead wanted to wear shoes from a rival department store. The VRC declined to comment on the rumours.
Sources close to the singer reportedly told News Corp Mauboy was overwhelmed by the last-minute wardrobe dispute as she prepared to perform. By the time she managed to regain her composure it was too late to take the stage.
Mayboy has spent recent weeks travelling around the country to promote her latest single and a new fragrance, as well as launching her television debut, The Secret Daughter, which goes into pre-production next month, and a new album for 2016.
