Disappointed local Zendaya fans now know why the Disney Channel star cancelled a July performance at the Stanislaus County Fair.
Zendaya has been recruited to portray late-90s R&B star Aaliyah in a new made-for-TV film.
The movie will be filmed “this summer,” according to a press release, conflicting with her scheduled June 16 Stanislaus County Fair appearance. The Stanislaus County Fair previously said that Zendaya cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.
“Aaliyah: Princess Of R&B” is expected to premiere on the TV network Lifetime this Fall.
Aaliyah, famous for songs like “Back & Forth,” “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “Are You That Somebody,” “Try Again,” and “I Miss You,” died in a 2001 plane crash. She was 22, and at the height of her popularity.
Zendaya, 17, has starred in two Disney Channel TV series and released her debut, self-titled album in 2013. Its lead single, “Replay,” hit the top 40.
Zendaya will be replaced by Fifth Harmony at the Stanislaus County Fair, a girl group whose debut album “Better Together” hit No. 2 on the iTunes charts. Fifth Harmony will be performing on the Bud Light Variety Free Stage at 8:30 p.m. on July 16.