Former FUGEE LAURYN HILL has stepped in to open tonight's (22SEP05) Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards after R+B star Amerie cancelled her performance at the London ceremony.

Amerie, 25, is up for Best Single with 1 THING and was set to sing the hit track at the beginning of the star-studded ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall.

However, after Amerie was offered the chance to appear on THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, she cancelled the gig and has now been replaced by Hill, who will perform her 1998 track DOO WAP (THAT THING).

Hill will come face to face with her ex-husband ROWAN MARLEY's relatives, including singer Damian Marley, who will appear at a special tribute to late reggae star Bob Marley.