Ke$ha cancels Dubai gig on doctors orders, but Jessie J lined up for RedFestDXB

The pop-star was due to perform in RedfestDXB next Thursday but decided to stay in the US to continue her treatment for an eating disorder - however promoters have been quick to swoop for a replacement.

British singer Jessie J will replace Ke$ha for next week's RedFestDXB. Andrew Winning / Reuters
Powered by automated translation

Ke$ha has cancelled her upcoming Dubai appearance on doctors’ orders.

The pop-star was due to perform in RedfestDXB next Thursday but decided to stay in the US to continue her treatment for an eating disorder.

Promoters Done Events announced the English singer Jessie J as her replacement for the festival to be held in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on February 13 and 14.

“I was so looking forward to performing at RedFestDXB but I need to follow my doctor’s advice and get my health back on track,” Ke$ha said in a statement.

“Your support during this time has been so amazing and I look forward to coming back stronger than ever on the next tour.”

Jessie J, a former mentor on The Voice UK, will arrive in Dubai with a fistful of pop hits including Domino, Price Tag and Do It Like A Dude.

Her new second album, Alive, continues her knack for dance-floor fillers with the latest single Thunder presently doing the rounds on radio.

Jessie J will perform on RedfestDXB’s opening night alongside singer Conor Maynard and rapper Tinie Tempah before a DJ set by Marvin Humes from British boy-band JLS.

The second night finds American folk-group The Lumineers headlining the bill with British singers Naughty Boy and John Newman. The festival will then close with a DJ set by Mark Ronson and Zane Lowe.

Ke$ha’s involvement in RedfestDXB was in doubt ever since she checked herself into rehab facility in January.

No stranger to health scares, Jessie J — who battled a heart disease as a child — wished Kesha well in her treatment.

“When I got the call, I said yes immediately, I love Dubai,” she said.

“I cannot wait to perform a headline set at RedFestDXB for all my Middle East fans. I wish Ke$ha a speedy recovery.”

RedfestDxb is held on Friday 13-14 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Tickets begin from Dh299 from www.timouttickets.com

sasaeed@thenational.ae