Grammy-nominated Australian rapper The Kid Laroi has apologised to fans for rescheduling two Melbourne shows — one of which was cancelled 40 minutes after it was set to start.
The rap superstar, best known for hit Stay featuring Justin Bieber, was due to take to the stage at Rod Laver Arena at 9pm on Friday night.
Footage posted to social media shows the crowd reacting angrily as an announcement comes over loudspeakers to inform them of the cancellation about 9:40pm.
Doors had opened to the stadium two hours earlier.
The 18-year-old apologised in an Instagram story hours later.
"Melbourne — to say that I'm sorry is an understatement," he wrote.
He said he woke up on Friday morning "feeling really sick" and despite medical intervention after a sound check, his condition worsened as the day progressed.
He said he had returned multiple negative results on COVID tests.
"I was getting super light-headed and my body felt super heavy," he said.
"This is my first ever tour and I absolutely hate that I've had to do this, especially so last minute as it's not fair on you guys, but at the end of the day I have to put my health first and I would be lying to you if I told you I was okay to come up and perform for you."
The Kid Laroi is on a massive international tour which will go to Europe and the United States after he leaves Australia.
He performed a day earlier at a nightclub event known for being a cheap student night.
He ended the post with a broken heart emoji.
Rapper's 'heart broken' after second show's rescheduling
A second show, originally planned for the following night, was rescheduled on Saturday afternoon.
In a second statement posted to social media, The Kid Laroi said he woke up feeling even worse on Saturday and was told by a doctor he was unable to perform.
"My heart is broken, and I feel like I am letting you all down again, but I promise I will make it up to you," he wrote.
"I need to rest and get myself healthy so that I can give you the show you deserve when I come back to Melbourne next week."
Handsome Tours and TEG Live, who are running the Australia leg of the tour, said the June 3 show would run on Friday June 10, while the June 4 show would be moved to Sunday June 12.
"All existing tickets remain valid for the rescheduled dates without the need for exchange," they said.
People unable to attend the new date will be eligible for a refund if they register before June 8.
Some fans said on social media they had travelled from interstate to attend the show.
The Kamilaroi rapper, born Charlton Howard, grew up in Sydney but has lived in the US while he has built a wildly successful music career.
