The singer's scheduled performance at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards got canceled after rumors emerged that she would address her battle against Dr. Luke during the awards event.
- May 18, 2016
AceShowbiz - Kesha, formerly Ke$ha, is no longer expected to take the stage at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. Following rumors that she's going to address her ongoing battle against Dr. Luke during her performance, the singer said in a just-shared Instagram post that she's not allowed to be part of the forthcoming event.
Last week, reports emerged claiming that Kesha was readying a "statement performance" for the 2016 BBMA. Her set was said to include direct references to Luke, whom she's been accusing of raping and abusing her, and some images of the producer.
In the new Instagram post, Kesha also shot down these reports and revealed that she was actually planning a Bob Dylan tribute for the awards show. "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," she wrote alongside a blurry picture of her playing a guitar on her bed.
"I'm very sad and sorry to say I won't be allowed to do this," she continued. "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," she added.
Without Kesha in the line-up of performers, the 2016 Billboard Music Awards will still see appearances from Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Pink, Britney Spears and more. The ceremony is airing live on ABC May 22 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
