Music insiders are stumped about why Lorde isn't performing at this afternoon's Grammys.
Lorde is the only woman nominated for album of the year at this afternoon's awards but is the only nominee not scheduled to perform.
TMZ reports Lorde turned down an opportunity to perform as part of a Tom Petty tribute, after being denied the chance to perform solo.
But New York Times chief pop music critic Jon Pareles told Kate Hawkesby it doesn't make sense.
"This kills me I have no idea why she is not performing she did the Fleetwood Mac tribute two days ago and she sang there and slayed the crowd."
Pareles said the awards will be the lesser for her absence.
"She did that tour with that amazing production which would be great to see On TV, you could also put her with just a guitar and a keyboard and she would also knock 'em dead."
TMZ reports Lorde wanted to perform alone, rather than as part of a Tom Petty tribute act.
Lorde's mother Sonja Yelich has posted on social media, suggesting the exclusion is a sexist snub.
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