A photo posted by Bruno Mars (@brunomars) on Nov 5, 2016 at 1:44pm PDT

MANILA – Contrary to speculations, Grammy-winning artist Bruno Mars will not be performing at the coronation night of the 65th Miss Universe pageant on January 30.

This was announced by Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro during an interview on radio DZMM Sunday.

“Meron siyang world tour pero kung si Bruno Mars lang, he really wanted to come. It’s just that his agent kept on reminding him that he has to have proper rehearsals for the world tour,” de Castro said.

Last November, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said a well-known artist with Filipino roots is set to perform in the pageant.

Reporters at the press conference were quick to ask Teo if she was referring to Mars, who was born in Hawaii to a Filipino mother and Puerto Rican father.

At that time, the Tourism Secretary neither confirmed nor denied saying she would rather not say anything.

While Mars won’t make it, de Castro said those who will watch the event will not be disappointed with the international artists who are flying to the Philippines to perform.

“International standards tayo. Hindi pa puwede [sabihin] kasi gusto ng Miss Universe sila [ang mag-a-annouce]. I can assure you naman this is a show that not only the Filipinos will enjoy but even the whole world kasi 'yung mga darating na performers, kumbaga kilalang kilala yung mga kanta nila,” she said.

Asked to give a hint, de Castro quipped: “We are expecting one group and one singer.”

De Castro said the Miss Universe Organization will announce the performers as well as the judges after all the candidates have paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte on January 23.