Sam Smith pulls out of Billboard Music Awards performance over vocal strain

Sam Smith will no longer perform at the Billboard Music Awards due to vocal strain.

Smith had already canceled a string of performances on his tour in South Africa and now his Billboard Music Awards performance is included on the list.“In the wake of cutting his South African tour short last week, Sam’s medical specialists are requiring him to have further rest,” a statement posted to Smith’s Twitter reads. “Regrettably this means he will be unable to perform at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku this weekend or the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas next week. We apologize for the disappointment for those affected, but the primary focus at this time needs to be on Sam’s recovery and health.”

Normani, who collaborated with Smith on the track “Dancing with a Stranger,” has also been forced to cancel her performance due to Smith.

“Today’s news of the performance cancellation truly disappoints me as I know it disappoints you. I have the most amazing and loyal fans to exist and I absolutely hate to say that I unfortunately will not be able to move forward with performing at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. I’m heartbroken,” Normani wrote. “I have been working harder than I ever have in rehearsals for the last week to ensure that I give you the best possible performance. I pushed my body in ways that I hadn’t in years which I’m proud of but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, my performance at this year’s awards is not possible.”

The Billboard Music Awards, hosted by Kelly Clarkson, airs on Wednesday, May 1 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

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