Jessica Mauboy Bails On Melbourne Cup National Anthem At The Last Minute

Australian pop singer Jessica Mauboy mysteriously pulled out of singing the Australian national anthem just minutes before she was scheduled to perform yesterday at the annual Melbourne Cup at Flemington racecourse. 

According to SMH, organisers were left scrambling to find a replacement after announcers introduced the 26-year-old artist as this year's anthem performer. 

Local act Nadia Aya was called up in Mauboy's absence and was given just 30 seconds to warm up before taking to the stage. 

Victorian Racing Club President Simon Lowe expressed his disappointment in Mauboy's no-show in a prepared statement following the race. 

"We were very disappointed that Jessica Mauboy was on course, and didn't perform today," Lowe said.

"We were grateful that Nadia Aya could perform the national anthem ahead of the Emirates Melbourne Cup."

The 2006 Australian Idol runner-up was photographed on her way to the racecourse, though was not seen inside the premises. 

The Music has reached out to Mauboy's management for comment. 

[EDIT]

SMH reports that the reason behind Mauboy pulling out of her performance was because of her refusal to wear shoes supplied by Myer, the race's official sponsor. They also report that Mauboy's management told The Australian that "issues over clothing and preparation" were the reason and that Mauboy was "incredibly sorry".