Grammy-Award-winning artist Ashanti, who was set to take part in a "Verzuz" battle against Keyshia Cole on Saturday, revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before the scheduled showdown.
"Hey y'all I can't believe I'm saying this, but I tested positive for COVID-19," the artist wrote on Instagram. "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!!!"
However, "Vezuz" made an announcement soon after Ashanti's statement, saying the show has been postponed.
"Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight’s Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole VERZUZ," the program stated. "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. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community."
The event is now scheduled for Jan. 9., according to Billboard.
Ashanti said she was super bummed because she was looking forward to the show. The singer was still planning on doing the show from her computer before the producers announced the postponement.
"I'm still ready to do it tonight. Me and team Apple have been on the phone since late last night, early this morning trying to figure how to do it. I got my computer set up," she said. "We don't think the technical aspect of things is gonna be perfect."
The "Rock Wit U" singer also expressed shock after getting the positive result.
"Never in a million years did I think I would get COVID," she said.
Ashanti described the unfortunate situation as another lesson in life.
"Hopefully this serves as a lesson that this pandemic is very real," she wrote on Instagram. "Thank you guys so much for all of your love and prayers. Thank you to everyone supporting the Verzuz, much love to Keyshia Cole and we’ll see y’all on January 9th!!! 2021 Women Empowerment."
The second season of "Verzuz" kicked off last month with a battle between Gucci Mane and Jeezy. Earlier this month, the program announced the matchup between Ashanti and Cole.
"Yeah, it’s official! The paperwork is IN," the show announced Friday on Instagram. "It’s a legendary Ladies Night on Saturday December 12th with @ashanti and @keyshiacole. Which Libra you got?!"
According to Vulture, "Verzuz" had to postpone another battle earlier this year when Babyface tested positive for COVID-19 before facing off against Teddy Riley.
“I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate another birthday,” the R&B legend wrote on Instagram after recovering. “I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, as did my family. It’s an incredibly scary thing to go through my friends. I’m happy to report we have now tested negative and are on our way back to full health.”
According to CNN, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now approved the Pfizer vaccine to be administered, allowing it to be distributed throughout the country.
"This is so exciting — this is history," Vicki Royce, a resident in Grand Rapids, Michigan told CNN. "The first vaccines are going out. I'm like crying here."
With the pandemic surging across the country, an average of 210,764 cases new daily cases were reported over the last week.