A Diva Dilemma: Kelly Rowland Reportedly Flees The Today Show Over Dressing Room Drama
In true diva fashion, songstress Kelly Rowland abruptly departed her guest hosting duties on NBC’s Today last Thursday – all because of an unsatisfactory dressing room, sources say. The former Destiny’s Child songbird was scheduled to co-host the popular morning show’s fourth hour alongside Hoda Kotb after promoting her new Netflix film “Mea Culpa” earlier that morning. But when her glam squad found the digs lacking, it seems Miss Rowland simply refused to go on air.
According to reports, Rowland’s team inspected the dressing room options after her initial appearance and found them unsuitable for the Grammy winner’s needs. The suites at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are admittedly on the smaller side – a constraint of retrofitting dressing spaces in the landmark Art Deco building. With precious little room for today’s extensive glam prep, one can see how Rowland and company found the Today Show suites cramped compared to the sprawling racks and vanities bigger stars command. But according to insiders, when producers scrambled to offer alternate spaces (including the exclusive green room upstairs), the songstress still said thanks but no thanks.
This eleventh-hour upset left scrambling co-host Hoda Kotb without a partner for the 10 AM hour. But in a serendipitous twist, fellow guest Rita Ora – who had just wrapped her own early morning segment – agreed to pop back to the studio and pinch hit alongside Kotb. The British songbird proved a graceful last minute replacement, earning praise for her easy camaraderie with Kotb. Behind the scenes, Rowland’s temperamental exit had producers in a tizzy as they smoothly sailed on with Ora in her place.
While reps for both the network and singer have stayed mum about the debacle, Ora coyly alluded to the last minute shakeup in several cheeky Instagram posts. She described the unplanned hosting stint as “well, this happened!” – documenting her barely-two-minute prep time before cameras started rolling. Ever the good sport, the current pop darling took the dressing room dramatics in stride.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Rowland has shown hints of star behavior behind the scenes. Industry insiders describe the former Destiny’s Child member as occasionally difficult, expecting perks and treatment exceeding her current celebrity status. She remains possessive about her time in Beyonce’s shadow, demanding the respect she believes she’s owed as former bandmate to music royalty. From custom suites to stand-in manicurists, Rowland wants to preserve the illusion of limitless luxury whether cameras are rolling or not.
Of course, plenty of commentators felt Rowland’s actions epitomized bad diva behavior, arguing any working actress should adapt to all promotional conditions. Others understood her holding fast to the personal comfort every performer relies on, especially women of color in the public eye. Debates rage on about how female stars of all backgrounds can stand up for their needs without seeming demanding.
This latest dressing room debacle certainly shines light on the constantly shifting sands of entertainment industry politics – where even morning show bookings create opportunities for power plays. One thing’s for certain though…expect Kelly Rowland to demand only the most Presidential treatment next go round!
