Melbourne Cup 2015: Jessica Mauboy pulls out of singing national anthem

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This was published 8 years ago

Melbourne Cup 2015: Jessica Mauboy pulls out of singing national anthem

By Ebony Bowden
Updated

Mystery is deepening surrounding Jessica Mauboy's bizarre Melbourne Cup no-show, with all parties involved refusing to comment on why the singer pulled out of singing the national anthem.

The ARIA winner was to sing Advance Australia Fair on Tuesday but went missing after pulling out of the performance just minutes before being due on stage.

Jessica Mauboy will walk the red carpet at the ARIAs in Sydney on Thursday.

Jessica Mauboy will walk the red carpet at the ARIAs in Sydney on Thursday. Credit: Danielle Smith

Mauboy reportedly refused to wear shoes supplied by official race sponsor Myer, with Mauboy's management telling The Australian last-minute "issues over clothing and preparation" were to blame and Mauboy was "incredibly sorry".

The 26-year-old was photographed on her way to the Cup in full racewear garb and make-up, but went mysteriously missing once she reached the track and was absent from the famous Birdcage marquees.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Victorian Racing Club chief executive Simon Love expressed his annoyance at Mauboy's no-show, but the singer herself is yet to comment.

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

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

Mauboy herself has been silent on social media since Monday, while Myer, the VRC and Mauboy's management have failed to return calls and provide any more information.

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Officials were left scrambling after announcers already introduced Mauboy as Tuesday's performer, with replacement Nadia Aya reportedly given just 30 seconds to warm up before performing in front of a televised audience of two million.

According to a Daily Telegraph report, actress Hilary Swank was also reprimanded on Derby Day for wearing a dress stocked exclusively by David Jones and not Myer, the partner of the lucrative Spring Racing Carnival.

Swank, who was flown in especially by Swisse, was allegedly vetoed by the VRC from having a photograph taken with the Melbourne Cup trophy.

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