The Billboard Music Awards will be down one performance due to the recent announcement that singer Kesha would be canceling her act for the show.
This announcement follows the rescinded approval of the performance by Dr. Luke’s label, Kemosabe Records. It has been said that Kesha was planning on using her time on stage to take shot at Dr. Luke in regards to the ongoing legal battle between the two.
Kesha has since denied said rumors, and went to Instagram to express her unhappiness about not being able to perform. She says in her photo caption, “I was very excited to perform a tribute to Bob Dylan by singing a cover of “It ain’t me babe” at the Billboard awards this year. I’m very sad and sorry to say I won’t be able to do this. I just wanted to make very clear that his performance was about me honoring one of my favorite songwriters of all time and has never had anything at all to do with Dr. Luke.”
The producer and singer have had rocky relationship since Kesha sued Dr. Luke for a number of accounts of abuse over their decade of partnership. She also cited in her lawsuit alleged sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment and gender violence. This lawsuit made its way to the New York Supreme Court, where the judge ultimately ruled against all claims made against Dr. Luke.
The producer of the Billboard Music Awards, Dick Clark Productions, stated, “Dick Clark productions has a long standing relationship with Kesha. We hope that the parties can come to an arrangement such that we can continue that long standing relationship with a performance by Kesha on the Billboard Music Awards stage on May 22.”
Update: On May 18th, Kesha received her opportunity to pay tribute to Bob Dylan, as well as, perform with another great artist. Ben Folds brought Kesha up on stage during his concert in LA, and allowed her the performance she was denied for the Billboard Music Awards. Kesha played “It Ain’t Me Babe,” along with some of Ben Folds songs, including, “Still Fighting It” and “Rock This Bitch.” After the concert, Kesha went to Instagram to thank Ben Folds for the opportunity.
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