Why Rihanna backed out of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Rihanna abruptly pulled the plug on her highly anticipated performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show set for Tuesday — and sources tell Page Six it’s because the new music she was going to unveil isn’t ready.
Sources said just last week that RiRi was planning to perform a brand-new song at the high-profile show, but she canceled Monday night, one week before she was to hit the stage at Manhattan’s 69th Regiment Armory.
“She’s still working on some stuff and [the music] isn’t to a point where she wants to perform it. Things are supposed to be further along, but she’s still not ready,” a source told us.
But another insider said that wasn’t why she canceled. “She does have something to perform. But the album isn’t finished yet, and finishing it is the priority,” this source said. “She couldn’t take the time to rehearse and perform and finish the album. It just all didn’t come together.”Victoria’s Secret had to scramble to replace RiRi with Ellie Goulding. And while sources say the lingerie giant’s relieved to have found the “Lights” singer, they’re upset with Rihanna, who has performed at the show in the past, and are lukewarm about replacing her with the UK pop star. “She’s no Rihanna,” said the source.
A different insider said, “It is what it is. It hasn’t seemed that anyone is upset. It’s business as usual. They’re just relieved that everything is still moving and are thrilled Ellie was able to pick the ball up on such short notice. They’re pumped that she’s game.”
Rihanna’s new project has been shrouded in secrecy. We’re told she’s working with multiple producers and has been in the studio with rapper Travis Scott. A source told us last week she’s treating this project like she’s “making a baby.”
And while she’ll miss performing any new songs onstage with Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, who will walk in the show as debut Victoria’s Secret Angels, sources are buzzing that Rihanna may perform the tunes on “SNL.” “She’s been on [five] times and she’s always welcomed,” said a source close to the show.