Kesha Billboard Awards Performance Blocked By Dr. Luke’s Label

Kesha was set to perform this Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards. However, that’s not going to happen, following a dispute with her label, Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records. Kesha had previously received permission from the label to perform, but in a statement (via Billboard), the award show’s production company Dick Clark Productions revealed that the label has now “rescinded its approval” of Kesha’s performance following reports that she would make “direct references” to her legal battle with Dr. Luke. Tonight, Kesha refuted those reports in the below Instagram post, saying she was planning to perform Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe” without any reference to Dr. Luke. While the production company went on to say they were hoping Kesha and Kemosabe would come to an agreement prior to the show, Kesha writes that she’s “very sad and sorry to say I won’t be allowed to [perform].” Update (5/18 3:15 p.m.): Kesha’s Billboard performance was scheduled to feature Ben Folds on piano. It was also set to be introduced by Lena Dunham, a spokeswoman for Dunham told The New York Times. In February, Dunham wrote an essay in support of the singer called “Why Kesha’s Case Is About More Than Kesha” for her newsletter “Lenny.”

Kesha’s California lawsuit accusing Dr. Luke of rape and abuse has been stayed pending the outcome of Dr. Luke’s lawsuit in New York accusing Kesha of defamation. A New York judge recently dismissed Kesha’s countersuit alleging emotional distress, employment discrimination, and gender-based hate crimes. In February, the judge also denied Kesha’s request to record legally for labels other than Dr. Luke’s Sony imprint Kemosabe Records; Kesha has appealed that ruling.

Last month, Kesha unveiled her Zedd collaboration “True Colors,” which was her first official release since Pitbull’s Dr. Luke-produced 2013 song “Timber.” Zedd clarified via Twitter that “Kemosabe/RCA gave us permission to release this song.” Kesha recently performed Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens to You,” which she dedicated “to every man, woman, child, and animal that has ever been abused.”

Read “Are Kesha’s Lawyers Playing to the Public More Than the Courts?” and ”Why Kesha Lost Her Court Battle, But Not Necessarily the War” on the Pitch. 

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 allowed to do this. I just wanted to make very clear that this 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. I was never going to use a picture of him, speak of him or allude to my legal situation in any way. I simply wanted to sing a song I love to honor an artist I have always looked up to. thank u all for the continued support.

A photo posted by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on May 17, 2016 at 3:57pm PDT

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