Jessica Mauboy had been locked in to sing the national anthem at this year’s Melbourne Cup for quite some time. The sound check was done and the Flemington commentators even announced her but despite being trackside, Jessica didn’t turn up for her performance.
According to the singer’s representative, the abrupt cancellation was due to “clothing and preparation” issues.
Radio 2GB broadcaster, Alan Jones speculated that the 26-year-old refused to wear shoes from the Cup’s sponsor Myer, which forced her to bow out of the Advance Australia Fair performance last minute.
The Victorian Racing Club’s president Simon Lowe issued a scathing statement about the incident.
“We were very disappointed that Jessica Mauboy was on course, and didn’t perform today, we were grateful that Nadia Aya could perform the national anthem ahead of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.”
It’s understood that Jess’s fill in, Nadia Aya, was given only 30 seconds of preparation before she had to step out onto the stage.
The Sapphires actress revealed via her rep that she was “incredibly sorry” for the mishap.
