Arts & Entertainment
Sam Smith pulls out of Billboard Music Awards performance over vocal strain
Normani was also forced to pull of the lineup
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 Twitte 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.”
— Sam Smith (@samsmith) April 24, 2019
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.”
— Normani (@Normani) April 25, 2019
The Billboard Music Awards, hosted by Kelly Clarkson, airs on Wednesday, May 1 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Sports
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Games to take place next month in Italy
“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.
HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.
The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.
Bars & Parties
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance
Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.
The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.
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