NE-YO: Kicked Off R. Kelly Tour, But Still Going Strong

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Ne-Yo has been informed that his services are no longer rendered for R. Kelly's 'Double Up' Tour, which kicked off Nov. 14 in Columbus, Georgia.

According to a statement issued by the Def Jam Records crooner, he was informed on Nov. 19 that he is being permanently removed from his supporting slot – despite overwhelming positive reviews received from "entertainment reporters,
music critics, bloggers, fans, and concert goers."

A spokesperson for the tour told Billboard that the reasoning behind Ne-Yo's abrupt exit is due to a "contractual dispute."

Ne-Yo's camp seems to think otherwise.

"The fans were really feeling his performances," his business partner and manager Tango said. "He's good; maybe he's too good - that's the problem."

Ouch."I don't understand their actions because I was rehearsing, doing media, promoting the tour, and performing," Ne-Yo added. "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."

Kelly, who has a trial date pending for 14 counts of child pornography next spring, has gone through a state of influx in his own camp lately. His longtime publicist Regina Daniels issued a statement last week saying that she no longer reps the 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer after he crossed the line "personally" and "professionally."

Her husband, influential Chicago-area black music mogul George Daniels -- who managed Kelly -- has also disassociated himself..

And let's not forget the last time he attempted a tour with another popular Def Jam artist; 2002's joint jaunt with hip-hop mogul Jay-Z turned into a full scale media spectacle that even ended in a physical altercation -- and litigation.

Meanwhile, Ne-Yo – who performed with label-mate Rihanna on the 2007 American Music Awards – used his free time wisely.

Yesterday, the 'Because of You' singer joined 'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere at the Ronald McDonald House of New York City to celebrate World Children's Day, honoring five everyday heroes from around the world.

In addition to working with Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson on her forthcoming debut music project, Ne-Yo's collaboration with Celine Dion appears on her new opus 'Taking Chances.'

"The Double Up Tour," also featuring Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday, is due to play The Big Apple area this weekend.

UPDATE: Concert promoter Leonard Rowe, issued a statement on Nov. 21 mandating that "contrary to previously published reports, R. Kelly exerted no influence upon Leonard Rowe's decision."

"From a business perspective, it would have been extremely difficult for me to continue under this cloud of uncertainty," he said. "Unfortunately it was decided that in the best interest of all involved, since I was unable to receive the fully-executed contract, I had no other alternative but to release Ne-Yo from the tour."

"We are currently surveying the availability of other artists in order to fill this void."