Kesha’s Powerful Musical Tribute To Bob Dylan

Published on May 25, 2016.

Laura Roberts / Invision / AP

In an emotionally moving performance, Kesha honored one of American music’s great songwriters, Bob Dylan. On Monday, May 23, Kesha took to the stage to sing, “I Shall Be Released” as part of a celebratory concert for Dylan’s 75th birthday in Nashville. “Any day now, any day now/I shall be released,” she sang to the crowd.

The song couldn’t have been more fitting for the artist, who is in the middle of a legal battle with her producer, Dr. Luke. Kesha hoped to be released from her contract with the producer in February, but the judge ruled that the contract is still valid. The last few months have been especially rocky, as Dr. Luke and Kemosabe Records have tried to prevent Kesha from speaking out about the legal dispute.

This is the second tribute to Bob Dylan that Kesha performed in the past week. On Sunday, Kesha sang a cover of Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe” at the Billboard Music Awards. The performance was originally cancelled by Dr. Luke, who stated that “approval was only suspended when Kemosabe learned Kesha was to use the performance as a platform to discuss the litigation.” Kesha spoke out about the producer’s decision on her Instagram: “I just wanted to make very clear that this performance was about me honoring one of my favorite songwriters of all time and has never had anything at all to do with Dr. Luke. I was never going to use a picture of him, speak of him or allude to my legal situation in any way. I simply wanted to sing a song I love to honor an artist I have always looked up to. thank u all for the continued support.”

Watch the video of Kesha’s performance in Nashville below: