To say that Kesha’s performance at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night had some advance publicity is a major understatement.
The singer, who for months has been embroiled in a legal battle with former mentor Dr. Luke in which she claims that he raped and psychologically abused her, was originally slated to perform a cover of Bob Dylan’s 1964 song “It Ain’t Me, Babe” during the show. But then Luke -- whose contract with the singer gives him veto power over certain performances -- barred her from appearing for fear that she would use it as an opportunity to speak out against him. Then, after receiving assurances that she would not do that, he relented and allowed her to perform.