Russian Eurovision entry Tatu were threatened with disqualification by Eurovision Song Contest organisers on Tuesday after they were a day late for their rehearsals.
Tatu's management claimed Julia Volkova (right) was ill
The teenage duo, who have caused controversy with their lesbian imagery, wanted to end their rehearsals in Riga, Latvia, after conflicting reports one of the duo had a sore throat.
But the show's organisers said the pair - Julia Volkova and Lena Katina - would have to continue, or they would be barred from taking part in Saturday's competition.
One of their backing singers was drafted in to help complete the rehearsals, reports said.
Tatu's managers had complained about some aspects of the production, and wanted to stop the pair's rehearsal, but relented when told they would be disqualified if they stopped.
Tatu, who recently topped the UK singles charts with their song All The Things She Said, are favourites to win the competition.
Their management had earlier written to the show's organisers questioning some of the Eurovision rules.
They reportedly asked whether the performers would have to wear clothes on stage.
The organisers said the show was aimed at families and that nothing could be shown that could bring the competition into disrepute.
The group were said to have been booed by journalists when they appeared at a press conference on Tuesday. They complained about the production's poor lighting and stage.
Eurovision said they planned to show a video of the pair performing their song if their stage performance became too explicit, they said.
Tatu had to pull out of recent shows in the UK because of problems with Volkova's voice.
The promoters of the shows, which were to have taken place in London and Manchester, plan to sue the pop group's management over the cancelled dates.