After 2021's different but still musically satisfying Grammys show, fans continued buzzing about big milestones, big names, and the big events that will now be part of Grammys history. And that meant a look back at past Grammys shows and the things that went down both on-stage and behind the scenes.
Though rumors about Rihanna appearing at the 2021 Grammys turned out to be false, when it comes to big headlines from past awards shows, 2016 does come to mind. That was the year Rihanna was slated to perform one of her recent hits -- "Kiss It Better" -- in a thoroughly planned-out '80s-style gig. But she canceled at the last minute, taking to Twitter to apologize.
Which freaked out fans, especially considering a previous cancelation from the star. After all, fans still hadn't (and probably never will) forgotten about 2009's Grammys cancelation, which coincided with leaked photos of a battered Rihanna in the hospital.
As for 2021's lineup, Rihanna wasn't on stage, nor was she on the nomination list. That is, of course, because she hasn't released a new album since 2016. But what really happened that year, and why did she miss that Grammys event?
Back in 2016, Billboard reported on Rihanna's Grammys no-show and explained what her team had publicized. The official report was that the songstress's doctor mandated "vocal rest for 48 hours" because she had bronchitis. Rihanna's doctor said she was at risk of a vocal cord hemorrhage.
She had already been taking antibiotics for three days, and sources say she totally killed the rehearsal pre-Grammys, but Rihanna ducked out with heartfelt apologies.
But was that the whole story?
Apparently it wasn't. CheatSheet later reported facts that changed some fans' minds. Rihanna was probably truly ill, because TV host James Corden, who was slated to participate in her performance, said she was "under the weather" at rehearsals.
That wasn't all the insider info, though.
In a 2020 interview with British Vogue, Rihanna admitted that she often experiences anxiety that's almost crippling. In fact, in explaining how nervous she gets in certain situations, Rihanna noted that her anxiety can be "devastating," even when she's just "getting in the car to go do something."
The singer also elaborated, "I left the Grammys one time. Left! In the middle of my hair and make-up..." Rihanna made a point of explaining that it's harder than it looks for her to join a room full of celebrities, let alone walk a red carpet, and that she's far more comfortable when people aren't looking at her.
Though that's not likely to happen anytime soon, maybe her confession will help fans (and fellow Grammy winners) realize that Rihanna is simply human, despite all the amazing things she's done.
Even if every move she makes is under a microscope, Rihanna is still dealing with unseen influences that can impact her craft and her public appearances.