Kesha received a standing ovation after her emotional performance at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (22.05.16). The 29-year-old pop star - who last week was refused permission to sing at the ceremony because of her ongoing dispute with Dr. Luke but later had it restored after making reassurance she wouldn't reference their legal battle - sang Bob Dylan's 1964 hit 'It Ain't Me Babe' at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas backed by a violinist and pianist and was applauded by the thrilled audience. Following her performance, Kesha took to her Instagram to thank fans and said: "I'm so grateful for tonight and for the @billboardmusicawards_ for allowing me to sing. it's my form of prayer. it my therapy. it literally reaches the untouched corners of my soul. thank you for having me. I have so much gratitude. thank you so f*****g much to my fans I have you to thank for tonight. thank you for having my back in a way no one ever has before. ugh so emotional....love u (sic)" The 'Tik Tok' hitmaker was axed from the event last week when Dr. Luke's Kemosabe label - which she was prevented from leaving earlier this year despite her allegations she was abused by the producer - withdrew their permission for her to sing amid claims she planned to make a "statement at the high-profile event. However, the record company restored approval after gaining "reassurance" there would be no mention of the court battle. Meanwhile, The Weeknd was the big winner of the night, scooping eight awards in total including Top Hot 100 Artist and Top R&B Artist at the event and dedicated his Top Hot 100 Artist victory to the late music icon Prince who died last month. Adele accepted the biggest honour of the night - Billboard's Top Artist - via video link and also took home Top Billboard 200 Album for her LP '25', Top Female Atrist, Top Billboard 200 Artist and Top Selling Song for the track 'Hello'. In addition, Drake was named Top Rap Artist, Justin Bieber Top Male Artist and twenty one pilots Top Rock Artist. Performances on at the music extravaganza came from Celine Dion, who sang 'The Show Must Go On' for her late husband Rene Angelil and broke down in tears as her 15-year-old son Rene-Charles presented her with the Icon Award, Billboard's lifetime achievement honour. Britney Spears opened the show with a stunning medley of her biggest hits in a triumphant return to live TV, while Fifth Harmony sang 'Work From Home' with Ty Dolla $ign, Meghan Trainor belted out her single 'No' and Pink delivered the world television debut of her latest single 'Just Like Fire'. Madonna was joined by surprise guest Stevie Wonder for her Prince tribute slot, whilst Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani delivered a romantic performance of 'Go Ahead and Break My Heart'.
