NE-YO ON HIS REACTION TO BEING DROPPED FROM R. KELLY'S 'DOUBLE UP' TOUR; SINGER APOLOGIZES TO FANS.

Ne-Yo was informed Monday that he was being permanently removed from his supporting slot on R. Kelly's current Double Up tour, despite overwhelmingly positive reviews received from "entertainment reporters, music critics, bloggers, fans, and concert goers," read a statement from Ne-Yo's rep. A contractual dispute is the tour's official reason for Ne-Yo's departure. But according to camp Ne-Yo, Kelly fired the singer because he "brought too much heat" for Kelly to compete against. He's written hit songs for Beyonce (Irreplaceable) and Rihanna (Unfaithful), spending a combined 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100," said Ne-Yo's business partner and manager, Tango, in a statement. "…The fans were really feeling his performances. He's good; maybe he's too good – that's the problem."

Ne-Yo adds: "I don't understand their actions because I was rehearsing, doing media, promoting the tour, and performing. 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," he said.

R. Kelly's rep, Allan Mayer, said the singer played no role in firing Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith: "Ne-Yo's departure from the 'Double Up' tour was the result of a contractual issue between him and the tour promoter. R. Kelly had nothing to do with it."

After a shaky start in Columbus, Georgia last week – during which Ne-Yo had to take over Keyshia Cole's opening slot when she failed to perform following J. Holliday – the tour continued with all three opening acts in Atlanta and continued through the south with scheduled stops in Greensboro, Birmingham and Charlotte.