Ashanti Tests Positive for COVID-19 Ahead of 'Verzuz' Battle With Keyshia Cole

Ashanti revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before her Verzuz battle against Keyshia Cole. The pair were set to face off Saturday night (Dec. 12). Ashanti, who says she's feeling well, first indicated that she was trying to make her. Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. The first time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community." The rote Ashanti in a note on Instagram shortly after 6 p.m. ET.

Around 6:45 p.m. ET, the Verzuz account posted an update: "Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight's @Ashanti vs @KeyshiaCole #VERZUZ. Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. The first time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community." The battle was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the Verzuz Instagram page and on Apple Music. It has been rescheduled for Jan. 9, 2021, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. "Yeah, it’s official! The paperwork is IN," the official Verzuz Instagram had said when announcing the "legendary Ladies Night" with a split image of the R&B singers' faces earlier in December. "Which Libra you got?!"