Kesha cover’s Bob Dylan’s ‘It Ain’t Me’ at Billboard Music Awards, receives standing ovation

LAS VEGAS, May 23 (UPI) — Kesha returned to the stage Sunday for a heartfelt cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe’ at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

Donning a white suit and a tie plastered with broken heart, star and tree symbols, Kesha was joined onstage by pianist Ben Folds and violinist Rob Moose.

“You say you’re lookin’ for someone/Who’s never weak but always strong/To protect you an’ defend you/Whether you are right or wrong… But it ain’t me, babe… It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for,” pop star sang stunning audiences with her smooth rendition of the 1964 classic.

As a standing ovation erupted throughout the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Kesha was seen holding back tears, soaking in her first televised performance since entering into her ongoing legal battle with producer Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald.

Initially, Dr. Luke’s record label, Kemosabe Records blocked the performance but then went back on their decision stating that the performance 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,” the label said in a statement.

In April, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich threw out a majority of Kesha’s counterclaims against Dr. Luke in their ongoing lawsuit citing a failure to present facts proving Dr. Luke’s alleged actions were discriminatory based on gender.

Kornreich originally denied Kesha’s injunction against Dr. Luke keeping her contractually bound to the producer amid allegations that he sexually, physically and verbally abused her. Dr. Luke has denied any wrongdoing in the matter.