Kesha has been forced to pull out of a performance at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday (22May16), because her mentor, producer and label boss Dr. Luke won't approve her set.
Officials at Dick Clark Productions, the company behind the big show in Las Vegas, have announced in a statement that the pop star will no longer be a part of the ceremony.
"Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke's record label, Kemosabe Records," the statement reads. "Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday May 11 regarding Kesha's appearance on the BBMAs.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.
"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 22nd."
Sources tell TMZ.com Dr. Luke changed his mind about releasing the rights to her music for the performance because Kesha reportedly planned to use the gig to make a statement about their ongoing legal battle.
This is the latest drama in their longrunning fall out, after Kesha accused Dr. Luke of physically and emotionally abusing her during their 10-year musical partnership.
Earlier this year (16), Kesha lost her bid to ditch her contract with Kemosabe Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music, and subsequently insisted her career would be restricted by the verdict - as she could no longer work with producers other than Dr. Luke. He declared that wasn't the case and there were no such restrictions on her deal, adding Kesha was free to work with anyone she wanted to collaborate with.
The Billboard Music Awards drama will be a big blow to Kesha just days after she released a statement online assuring fans she was planning to take her life back after a spell of depression.
