Normani forced to cancel BET Awards 2024 appearance after ‘really bad accident’

Normani was forced to cancel her performance at the 2024 BET Awards after she suffered an injury during rehearsals.

The singer, 28, revealed she had to pull out last-minute in her Instagram Stories on Sunday, showing off a photo of a bandage around her right knee as she walked on crutches. She also appeared to be wearing a boot on her right foot.

“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 to her 7 million followers. “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.”

The musician added that she “desperately wanted” to give her best on stage but it would “delay” her healing.

“I have been going through my process and doing my best to make sense of my feelings regarding this. 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 is nothing more that I wanted to do than perform for you and also, get back to doing what fulfills me most — BEING ON STAGE,” she went on. “Thank you so much for understanding. Sending my love to BET for giving me and all of the other beautiful black women this opportunity. This is definitely NOT how I envisioned this weekend but best believe I will be championing everyone from home tonight.”

Other musicians who performed at the Sunday show included Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, Glorilla, Lauryn Hill, Tyla, Shaboozey and Will Smith.

The BET Awards was set to be Normani’s first big live performance after releasing her debut album, Dopamine, which dropped earlier this month.

“I’ve enjoyed the recording process, but I’m like, ‘Put me on stage!’” Normani previously told Entertainment Weekly. “I’m ready to perform, I’m ready to do the videos.’ That’s my bread and butter. And that’s just where I have the most joy.”

Normani went solo in 2018 after exiting Fifth Harmony. The group — which also included members Camila Cabello, Ally Brooke, Lauren Jauregui and Dinah Jane — was together for six years after being formed on “The X Factor” in 2012.