Kesha won’t be taking the
stage at the Billboard Music Awards after all – and Dr. Luke may have pulled
the plug.
Following speculation that
the singer was slated to perform at this year’s event, dick clark productions
addressed the “numerous inquiries” they have received about the topic
in a statement released to Access Hollywood on Tuesday.
“Kesha
accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval
from Dr. Luke’s record label, Kemosabe Records. Kemosabe subsequently rescinded
its approval following a media report on Wednesday, May 11 regarding Kesha’s
appearance on the BBMAs,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, Kesha
and Kemosabe have since been unable to come to an agreement for Kesha to
perform on the show.”
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Despite a report that claimed
Kesha was planning to reference her ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke during
the Billboard Awards, a source close to the singer told Access Hollywood on
Tuesday that she “did not intend to speak about” the producer.
In addition, the source said
Kesha had made Dr. Luke aware of the situation “in hopes to get his
permission to perform.”
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According to the source, Kesha didn’t
get the permission that she wanted, adding that if
she did, the singer “would have foregone doing [the] red carpet
entirely.”
In its statement,
dick clark productions acknowledged the company’s “long standing
relationship with Kesha” and expressed hope that “the parties can
come to an arrangement” that would allow her to rejoin the performance
lineup – which includes Rihanna, Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor and more.
The Billboard Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on ABC.
A rep for Dr. Luke did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood.
— Erin Biglow
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