Katy Perry has had a stressful time lately following the breakdown of her marriage to funnyman Russell Brand, but the star has now set the tongues of her concerned fans wagging after she cancelled her first public engagement since the split.
The star was due to appear at the People's Choice Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday but took to Twitter last night to announce that she would be stepping out of the limelight for a while.
She wrote: "Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the People's Choice Awards. I want to thank u all for voting for me, fingers crossed! #KATYCATS"
The I Kissed a Girl singer has been nominated for seven awards but is thought to be jetting away on holiday with pop star pal Rihanna.
Last week, a source told the Daily Mirror: "Rihanna has been there for Katy, texting her from Miami where she's on holiday. Now they are planning a girly getaway so Katy can clear her head."
The stressed star responded to rumours surrounding her split from Russell, who filed for divorce at the end of December, at the weekend.
She tweeted: "I am so grateful for all the love and support I've had from people around the world. You guys have made my heart happy again.
"Concerning the gossip, I want to be clear that NO ONE speaks for me. Not a blog, magazine, 'close sources' or my family."