Normani cancels BET Awards 2024 performance after ‘bad accident’

Normani was set to break a leg at the 2024 BET Awards, but unfortunately she actually injured herself during rehearsals and had to pull out of the annual show.

The “Candy Paint” singer announced the news minutes before the show kicked off live in Los Angeles, and shared a photo on Instagram of her with crutches, a bandage around her right knee, and what looks like a boot on her right foot.

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“I am more frustrated and disappointed than anyone believe me,” Normani wrote. “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.”

Though she’s “normally good for powering through under any circumstance,” Normani added that she was under doctor’s orders and was ” 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,” she continued. “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.”

Normani went on to send her love to BET “for giving me and all of the other beautiful Black women this opportunity,” concluding, “This is definitely NOT how I envisioned this weekend but best believe I will be championing everyone from home tonight. I’m sorrrrrrrry guys and love you so much.”

The BET Awards was to be Normani’s first big live performance after releasing her long-delayed debut album, Dopamine, earlier this month. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, the former Fifth Harmony member expressed how eager she was to get back to performing live.

“I’ve enjoyed the recording process, but I’m like, ‘Put me on stage!'” Normani said. “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.”