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NEW YORK - R. Kelly should have more time in the spotlight: Ne-Yo has been dropped from the singer's nationwide tour over an apparent contract dispute with the promoter.
Ne-Yo had only performed on two dates of the tour, which got under way this month and features R&B singers Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday.
"I am disappointed that I won't be able to perform for my fans. I love being on stage in front of fans because of the immediate feedback you get," he said in a statement. "You know right away if they are feeling you; and they were really feeling our show."
The statement did not elaborate on the reason behind Ne-Yo's exit, but in an interview with BET.com, the artist did.
"Let them (Jive) tell it, I was removed from the R. Kelly tour because of contractual agreements not being met, but that's absolutely false," Ne-Yo said. "I believe it was because the first few reviews of the show, people were talking more about my set than his, and I don't think he liked that too much."
Neither Def Jam nor Jive were available for comment, although an R. Kelly spokesperson insisted to Billboard.com that Ne-Yo's departure was contractual, and not related to any animosity from Kelly.
"Ne-Yo is a terrific talent, and R. Kelly is certainly confident enough in his own abilities to be happy to share the stage with enormously talented people," the spokesperson said. "The more talented, the better. We're sorry it had to end this way."
Allan Mayer, a spokesperson for R. Kelly, said the singer did not have a role in Ne-Yo being booted off the tour: "Ne-Yo's departure from the 'Double Up' tour was the result of a contractual issue between him and the tour promoter. R. Kelly had nothing to do with it."
A representative for the tour said she did not have further information.
The Double Up tour is scheduled to end in January in Richmond, Va.
- AP/REUTERS
