With the VMAs coming up this weekend, fans of Lorde were surprised when she pulled out of playing the event.

The pop superstar behind 'Supercut', 'Royals' and 'Solar Power' explained that COVID safety protocols at the awards show would have hindered her performance.

"I saw some people were very concerned about me pulling out of the VMAs, you’re so sweet, I’m totally fine!" Lorde wrote in a message to her fans via her mailing list.

She outlined her reasons behind pulling out, saying, "It’s just that we were planning this insanely amazing many-bodied intimate dance performance, not fully understanding the (very necessary!) safety protocols that are in place, and the masking and distancing just meant it wasn’t gonna be what I dreamed, and you know I can’t make something less than outstanding for you guys.

"I hope you understand. There will be many more TV performances, don’t you worry.”

Lorde was set to be one of the most anticipated performances on the night after the success of her recent album Solar Power.

Taking place at the Barclay's Centre in Brooklyn, New York, this Sunday; other artists appearing at the 2021 MTV VMAs include Machine Gun Kelly, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, Camila Cabello, Lil Nas X, Polo G, Twenty One Pilots and Swedish House Mafia.

It will be the first VMAs to feature an in-person audience for two years and is set to be hosted by Doja Cat.

In other Lorde news, the 24-year-old Kiwi artist unveiled a 5-track EP of Solar Power songs translated to Māori for charity. For Te Ao Mārama, lyrics from Lorde's third album were translated by Hana Mereraiha and feature background vocals from Māori singers. All proceeds from the album will go to the New Zealand-based charities Forest and Bird and the Te Hua Kawariki Charitable Trust.

Check out Lorde's recent interview with Hot Press here.

Watch Lorde cover Britney Spears' hit 'Break The Ice' below: