British pop star Leona Lewis has pulled out of a package of entertainment events around the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix this weekend.
Organisers Flash Entertainment said in a media statement that the "X-Factor" singer would be unable to perform at The Ball, citing personal reasons.
She will be replaced by Sister Sledge, the American seventies disco band that is best remembered for hits such as "We Are Family" and "Frankie".
The other artists on the bill, including Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan and British starlet Sophie Ellis Bextor, remain unchanged.
And the star wattage at the show has just been upped a notch. Actors Samuel L Jackson and Elizabeth Hurley and Jason Statham have confirmed their presence at the event, as have models Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer.
The Ball is a charity event aimed at raising funds for the Naked Heart Foundation being held on the lawnes of the Yas Hotel on Friday, November 13. Tickets are priced from Dh25,000 for a VIP table of ten, including a four-course dinner in addition to the show.
The Naked Heart Foundation was set up by supermodel Natalia Vodianova and provides safe and inspiring environments for children all over Russia, who live in underprivileged urban areas.
Sister Sledge also performs at Barasti in Dubai on Thursday night.