After performing for a packed house of screaming fans, R&B star Ne-Yo was suddenly dropped from R. Kelly's tour.
The singer delivered two performances and reportedly did a great job, yet Ne-You was informed that he wouldn't be continuing with the rest of the tour.
In a statement, Ne-Yo's business partner and manager, Tango, alleged that the star was dropped because he posed too much competition for the R.
"He's written hit songs for Beyonce [including] 'Irreplaceable' and [for] Rihanna, 'Unfaithful' (spending a combined 19 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100)," said Tango, "He's written songs slated to be on Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, and Enrique Iglesias' new albums."
In a recent article in Ebony magazine, the king of pop, Michael Jackson, referred to him as one of the artists that impresses him most. "The fans were really feeling his performances," says Tango. "He's good; maybe he's too good - that's the problem."
R. Kelly's camp said Ne-Yo was relieved from the line-up because there was no signed contract. But that doesn't make much sense to Ne-Yo.
"I don't understand their actions because I was rehearsing, doing media, promoting the tour, and performing," said Ne-Yo. "In my opinion, I was doing everything possible to make the tour a success. I love being on stage in front of fans because of the immediate feedback you get. You know right away if they are feeling you; and they were really feeling our show.
"To my fans and ticket holders - I apologize if you are disappointed," Ne-Yo said.
[For more on this story and exclusive footage from the R. Kelly tour peep Ya Heard]
http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/13044
