Ashanti and Keyshia Cole’s highly-anticipated VERZUZ encounter will have to wait. Originally scheduled for Saturday (December 12), the event has been postponed after Ashanti revealed on Instagram she tested positive for COVID-19.
“Hey y’all I can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19,” the singer wrote. “I’m ok and not in any pain. I’m actually down to do the verzuz from my house… we’re trying to figure it all out!!!”
In an Instagram Live session, the “Foolish” singer detailed she contracted the virus from a family member and not from traveling. With the revelation of her COVID-19 diagnosis, Verzuz made an official statement on Instagram Saturday.
“Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight’s @Ashanti vs @KeyshiaCole #VERZUZ,” the statement read. “Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti.”
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The statement continued with an urging for viewers to continue to respect COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and preventive measures while also revealing the matchup would be the first Verzuz of 2021.
“Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community. NEW DATE: January 9, 2021.”
Fans had been anticipating the Verzuz matchup between the two ever since the Oakland bred Cole teased it on her Instagram account in May and Swizz Beatz and Timbaland later confirmed the two would square-off on December 4.
“It’s a legendary Ladies Night on Saturday December 12th with @ashanti and @keyshiacole,” the official Verzuz account wrote on Instagram.
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Naturally, fans of both artists vented their frustration on Twitter. Verzuz has become appointment television, given the number of viewers for previous battles such as Gucci Mane and Jeezy and Jill Scott’s celebration with Erykah Badu.
“If Ashanti don’t set up a ring like and do the battle from her bedroom,” one fan wrote. Even Tierra Whack had to chime in with jokes saying, “They said jlo can substitute for Ashanti!”
See more reactions to the postponement of Verzuz below.
