Dr. Luke Will Let Kesha Perform at Billboard Music Awards Following Fan Outcry
Power of the people.


Update, 5/20: In yas-worthy news, Dr. Luke's record label, Kemosabe, has given Kesha the green light to perform after a pretty cringe-worthy misunderstanding that you can read about below. "Kesha's performance on the Billboard Music Awards was always approved, in good faith," their statement (opens in new tab) reads. "Approval was only suspended when Kemosabe learned Kesha was to use the performance as a platform to discuss the litigation. Now that Kemosabe has obtained assurances that it is relying upon from Kesha, her representatives, and Dick Clark Productions that neither Kesha nor her supporters will use the performance as such a platform, the approval has been restored."
A post shared by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Original story, 5/18: Despite recent setbacks (opens in new tab) in her legal case against Sony and Dr. Luke (who she's accused of sexual and emotional assault), Kesha recently made a resolution (opens in new tab) to take her life back. The 29-year-old singer has booked several performances (opens in new tab) in the past few months–one of which was going to take place at the Billboard Music Awards.
Kesha was slated to sing during the May 22 show, but was reportedly nixed from the lineup thanks to Dr. Luke's label, Kemosabe Records, rescinding approval after "news" (opens in new tab) broke that she'd reference their legal battle during the performance.
Shortly after being canceled from the lineup, Kesha made a statement of her own on Instagram, saying she simply planned to cover a Bob Dylan song, and in no way intended for her performance to reference her legal situation.
A post shared by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Misunderstanding aside, the issue of whether or not Kesha was going to make a statement is moot. At the end of the day, this boils down to silencing someone who claims she was abused, which is just completely and totally wrong.
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Sex Toys For Partner Play
If you thought toys were just for me-time, think again.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The Cast of 'Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area': Your Guide
Meet Netflix's new cast of thieves.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Lawmakers, Activists, and Allies Are Reacting With Fury to 'Roe' Being Overturned
Thousands are taking to Twitter to express their grief and anger.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein