Gwen Stefani calls off Las Vegas fundraiser performance after rupturing eardrum

Attendees of the annual Keep Memory Alive: Power of Love Gala in Las Vegas were disappointed to learn that the headlining act Gwen Stefani had pulled out of performing at the 27 April fundraiser for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center For Brain Health. Larry Ruvo, president of the gala, made the announcement an hour into the show – informing the crowd that the singer had ruptured her eardrum.

To make up for her last-minute cancellation, Stefani shared a video message which was screened at the venue, the MGM Grand Garden Arena. "I am so sorry that I cannot attend tonight, but I wanted to send a message of congratulations to Andre Agassi and my dear friend, Ronald Perelman," she said in the clip.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, The Voice coach's manager Irving Azoff informed organisers that she had received medical treatment at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday – after the rupture took place during a flight. Doctors have instructed her not to sing or fly until complete recovery.

Jennifer Hudson filled in for The Sweet Escape singer and shared a video as she boarded a plane to the venue, on Instagram. "U call , I answer!" she wrote alongside the post. "Ms Hudson is on the way!"

On arrival in Las Vegas, she posted a couple of photos with the caption: "Bosslady is here !!! Now what yal need me to do."

Speaking to ET Online about the video aired at the show, an eyewitness said Stefani praised the work the organisation was doing. "She spoke really kindly about the institute and apologised that she couldn't be there. Towards the end of the video she said something along the lines of, 'I have a Grammy-winning surprise for you guys and you're going to love it! It was Jennifer Hudson."