Nicki Minaj suddenly pulls out of MTV VMAs performance as she vows: ‘I’ll explain why another day’

Nicki Minaj is the latest act to pull out of the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards (Picture: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Nicki Minaj has left fans puzzled after she suddenly pulled out of a performance at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards.

The superstar rapper, who had not been formally unveiled as taking to the stage at the ceremony in New York, revealed the surprising news on Twitter, promising to explain why at a later date.

Replying to a fan, the 38-year-old wrote: ‘I just pulled out. I’ll explain why another day.’

The Super Bass rapper then praised VMAs producer Bruce Gilmer and promised to attend the ceremony next year.

She said: ‘But I love those guys at MTV. thank you Bruce. I love you so much. Next year we there baby.’

Fans instantly began to try and push the Anaconda hitmaker for more information as they collectively mourned the loss of seeing their favorite on stage.

Minaj is not the first star to pull out of this year’s VMAs, which are taking place in the early hours of Monday UK time at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn.

It was announced last week singer-songwriter Lorde would not be appearing as planned at the ceremony.

On Thursday the New Zealander explained the ‘very necessary’ Covid safety protocols were responsible.

PULLED OUT? TF IS THAT pic.twitter.com/A0Ipvq1q8k

— ً (@sashazolanski) September 9, 2021

She said: ‘It’s just that we were planning this insanely amazing many-bodied intimate dance performance, not fully understanding the (very necessary!)

‘safety protocols that are in place, and the masking and distancing just meant it wasn’t gonna be what I dreamed, and you know I can’t make something less than outstanding for you guys. I hope you understand.’

More: US TV news

Those who will be performing at the VMAs include Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, Machine Gun Kelly, Shawn Mendes and Olivia Rodrigo.

The MTV Video Music Awards 2021 take place on Sunday, September 12.

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