Pregnant Beyonce cancels Coachella performance

Pregnant superstar Beyonce has pulled out of plans to perform at this year's (17) Coachella festival in California, citing doctor's orders.

The Formation hitmaker recently revealed she was expecting twins, just weeks after she was announced as a headliner for the music extravaganza, which takes place over two consecutive weekends in April (17).

Beyonce put her already large baby belly on display during a show-stopping performance at the Grammy Awards on 12 February (17), her first since sharing the happy news, and now it appears that gig will be the only live set of her pregnancy.

The singer's decision to cancel the Coachella concerts was made public on Thursday (23Feb17), when organizers at Goldenvoice and Beyonce's Parkwood Entertainment firm declared she will instead return as one of the headliners for the 2018 festival.

"Following the advice of her doctors to keep a less rigorous schedule in the coming months, Beyonce has made the decision to forgo performing at the 2017 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival," reads a joint statement released to The Associated Press. "However, Goldenvoice and Parkwood are pleased to confirm that she will be a headliner at the 2018 festival. Thank you for your understanding."

Coachella officials have yet to reveal her replacement, who will hit the stage on 15 and 22 April (17).

Radiohead will headline the first nights (14&21Apr17) of the two-weekend event, while rapper Kendrick Lamar will bring the festival to a close on both Sundays (16&23Apr17). Beyonce's planned support was to come from Bon Iver, who may now be bumped up the bill.

Beyonce and her husband Jay Z have yet to reveal when the singer is due. The new babies will be siblings for their five-year-old daughter Blue Ivy.