Why Normani Canceled Her 2024 BET Awards Performance Last Minute

Normani suffered a heartbreaking setback that lead to her decision to not perform at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Fans were looking forward to the “Motivation” singer’s return to the stage for the first performance in support of her new album, Dopamine. However, just moments prior to the awards ceremony, 28-year-old Nornami announced that she would no longer be performing after suffering an injury during rehearsals. 

“I am more frustrated and disappointed than anyone believe me. I wanted to get on here and give you guys an update letting you know that while In rehearsals for BET I had a really bad accident and injured myself,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “I am normally good for powering through under any circumstance but unfortunately due to my doctor’s orders, I am just not able to make this performance happen. I desperately wanted to give you my best on that stage but performing would delay my healing and I have been going through a process and doing my best to make sense of my feelings regarding this.” 

She added, “I am devastated and hate feeling like a disappointment to you but I have to focus on recovering at this time. Trust me, I hear you, and I see you. There’s nothing more that I wanted to do than perform for you and also, get back to doing what fulfills me most — BEING ON STAGE.”

Normani ended her message by reassuring her fans and supporters that she would be back to the stage and performing as soon as she’s better. 

“Thank you so much for understanding. Sending my love to BET for giving me and all of the other beautiful Black women this opportunity,” she wrote. “This is definitely NOT how I envisioned this weekend but best believe I will be championing everyone from home tonight. I’m sorrrrrrry guys and love you so much.” 

Normani’s following slide was a picture of her on crutches with a wrap and surgical boot on her right foot. The “Wild Side” singer did not go into further details about her injury. 

Last month, Normani released her highly-anticipated debut album, Dopamine. Fans were looking forward to her return to the stage, as the BET Awards would have marked her first live performance. 

In the six years since her split from Fifth Harmony, Normani has experienced a series of setbacks. 

In June 2023, Normani revealed that her father, Derrick Hamilton, was diagnosed with cancer one year after her mother, Andrea Hamilton, battled cancer for a second time. As a result of her parents’ diagnosis, Normani said that she postponed her album to focus on their health. According to the singer, the music ultimately helped get her through her family’s tough times. 

“Honestly, music got them through the cancer treatments. I remember being on FaceTime with my mom while she was undergoing chemo and her asking me, ‘How’s the studio today? How’s the music coming?'” she told  Who What Wear. “As hard as it was for me to not be with them as much as I wanted to, ultimately, pushing through made the circumstances of the last few years feel a bit lighter for my parents.”

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