Ne-Yo dropped from R Kelly tour

R Kelly (left) and Ne-Yo began their tour on 14 November

R&B singer Ne-Yo has been dropped from R Kelly's US tour, just a week after the pair hit the road.

A spokesperson for Kelly told Billboard magazine that Ne-Yo's departure was down to contractual issues.

But Ne-Yo has called the claims "false" and says he was dropped because fans preferred his performance.

"I believe it was because the first few reviews of the show, people were talking more about my set than his," he told the BET cable network.

An official statement released by his record label, Def Jam, did not elaborate on the claims.

"I am disappointed that I won't be able to perform for my fans," said Ne-Yo, who had a UK number one with So Sick last year.

"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."

'Terrific talent'

Kelly's spokesperson insisted to Billboard that there was no animosity between the two singers.

"Ne-Yo is a terrific talent," he said, "and R Kelly is certainly confident enough in his own abilities to be happy to share the stage".

"The more talented, the better. We're sorry it had to end this way."

But it is not the first time R Kelly has had trouble with fellow performers on the road.

In 2004, he sued rapper Jay-Z for $75m (£36m) after being kicked off the duo's joint US tour.

The star, whose hits include Trapped In The Closet and I Believe I Can Fly, said he was forced to abandon concerts by Jay-Z's "spite and jealousy".