Kesha's Performance at Billboard Music Awards May Be Blocked by Dr. Luke's Label

Photo of Kesha by Charles Sykes


Just days before Kesha was set to take the stage at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards, it appears Dr. Luke's label Kemosabe Records may block the performance.

While the singer had received permission from the label to appear during the show, the company has now "rescinded its approval" following reports Kesha planned to make direct references to her legal battle with Dr. Luke.

"Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke's record label" Dick Clark Productions (which produces the awards show) said in a statement released Tuesday. "Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs. Unfortunately, Kesha and Kemosabe have since been unable to come to an agreement for Kesha to perform on the show."

For her part, Kesha took to Instagram tonight to dispute reports, explaining that she intended to cover Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me, Babe."

"I was never going to use a picture of [Dr. Luke], speak of him or allude to my legal situation in any way," Kesha said. "I simply wanted to sing a song I love to honor an artist I have always looked up to."

The Billboard Music Awards are set to air this Sunday (May 22) at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Update (May 19, 2016): Dick Clark Productions confirmed in a statement Thursday that Kesha and Kemosabe have reached an agreement and the singer will indeed perform at the Billboard Music Awards.