Bob Dylan – Stuff Fly People Like

Kesha No Longer Performing At Billboard Music Awards, Dr. Luke’s Label Rescinds Approval

Kesha will no longer be performing at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards and it’s all thanks to Dr. Luke‘s label rescinded their approval.

Kemosabe Records had given Kesha written approval to perform at the BBMAs on May 22; but ultimately took back their approval on Tuesday after reports surfaced that Kesha planned on addressing Dr. Luke during her performance.

Dick Clark Productions in charge of the awards ceremony released this statement Tuesday via Billboard

“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 Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday, May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs. Unfortunately, Kesha and Kemosabe have since been unable to come to an agreement for Kesha to perform on the show.”

Kesha took to Instagram to confirm that she was indeed no longer performing at the BBMAs.

“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. I’m very sad and sorry to say I won’t be allowed to do this. 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.”

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It’s unfortunate that Kesha won’t get to do what is apparently clear is all she wants to do, and that is perform. It’s shameful that Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records have fed into the rumors and rather protect their image than allow Kesha to partake in her art. Hopefully, Dr. Luke and the label reconsider prior to the BBMAs on Sunday. Keep your head up Kesha!

Fly News: Rihanna has a New Doc In The Works, To Offer Unfiltered Look Into Her Life

Rihanna has teamed up with producer/director Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights, Hancock, The Kingdom) for a theatrical feature documentary about the singer’s life. Rih previously worked with Berg on 2012’s Battleship.

The project will be produced by Berg’s new production company Film 45 which will focus on non-scripted and branded entertainment for film, TV, and other platforms.

Berg described the documentary as,

“An unfiltered look into Rihanna’s life and how she’s ascended to become a global icon.

The Battleship director was drawn to the idea of examining,

“A young artist at the top of her professional field. [It’s] much more a character study than a music film.”

Don’t expect the Bajan beauty to deliver your typical music doc as the project will be taking style cues from D.A. Pennebaker‘s iconic 1967 Bob Dylan rock doc Don’t Look Back.

Rihanna has never shied away from concocting new ways to reach her legion of fans. Hopefully this time around its smooth sailing, unlike her ANTI release and her 777 special back in 2013.

If you’re curious about what you can expect check out the trailer for Don’t Look Back below. In the meantime we’ll keep our eyes peeled for any new developments on the currently untitled project!

-Stay Fly