ABCKesha's performance at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards was not to be missed.
As a tribute to Bob Dylan, the 29-year-old songstress sang an emotional cover of "It Ain't Me, Babe." Accompanied by a violinist and pianist, Kesha's voice was strong and she hit every note. Kesha's performance went over well with the audience, who gave her a standing ovation.
An eyewitness tells E! News Kesha seemed a bit taken aback by the long, loud standing ovation she received. She turned in a circle to take it all in, then once they wrapped up she ran up to her pianist and gave him a huge hug. She also hugged her violinist before walking off stage, then smiled and waved at fans as she made her way backstage. Prior to Kesha's performance, she leaned over her piano to watch the premiere of Adele's music video "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," notes an eyewitness.
For a while, it looked as if Kesha's performance at tonight's show wasn't going to happen. This past Tuesday, Dr. Luke's label Kemosabe Records rescinded its approval allowing her to take the stage, but on Thursday the approval was restored.
In an official comment obtained by E! News, Kemosabe Records stated, "Kesha's performance on the Billboard Music Awards was always approved, in good faith. 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."
—Reporting by Alli Rosenbloom