Katy Perry's Absence From People's Choice Awards Is "Understandable"

11 January 2012, 17:00 | Updated: 11 January 2012, 17:09

The event's producer says he understands why the 'California Gurls' singer is unable to attend the awards ceremony.

Katy Perry's absence from the People's Choice Awards tonight (11^th January) is "understandable", according to the event's executive producer.

The 'Firework' singer was originally due to make an appearance at the ceremony, for which she is nominated for seven awards, but confirmed on Twitter yesterday (10^th January) that she will not be present.

"It's understandable," producer Mark Burnett told E! Online today (11^th January). "Things like this happen all the time."

The event would have marked Katy's first public appearance since it was confirmed that she and husband Russell Brand are getting a divorce.

The 'Teenage Dream' singer spoke out about the couple's split for the first time earlier this week (7^th January) and thanked fans for "all the love" she has received since the news broke.

Katy is still scheduled to perform two final concerts for her 'California Dreams' tour on 19^th January in Indonesia and on 22^nd January in the Philippines.

The People's Choice Awards 2012 will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles tonight.