UPDATE (5/19): Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records have reportedly reversed their decision to block Kesha's performance at the upcoming 2016 Billboard Music Awards, contingent upon assurance that she would refrain from mentioning or alluding to their legal battle during the show.

"Kesha’s performance on the Billboard Music Awards was always approved, in good faith,” the label said in a statement via ABC News. “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.”


It looks like Kesha will not be making a "statement performance" at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards after all -- and Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records is behind the last minute change.

"Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke's record label, Kemosabe Records," Dick Clark Productions (DCP) said in a statement via Billboard. "Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs.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."

While the production company did not offer up any further details as to what caused Kemosabe to withdraw its consent, the decision likely has something to do with reports claiming Kesha was gearing up to directly reference her legal battle with Dr. Luke during her performance.

“We’re told she’s planning to make direct reference to her ongoing legal battle with Dr. Luke,” TMZ reported last week, “…and might even include images of him."

Billboard goes on to report that DCP is hopeful Kesha and Kemosabe can come to an agreement before the awards show this Sunday (May 22).

"Dick Clark Productions has a long standing relationship with Kesha," they wrote. "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."

Kesha later clarified in an Instagram post, however, that her awards show performance would not integrate any photos of Dr. Luke or references to her legal battle with the producer. Instead, she planned on paying tribute to Bob Dylan with a cover of "It Ain't Me Babe."

Read her full explanation below.

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.

Kesha's Best Live Vocals

More From SoJO 104.9 FM