Akon Reportedly Upset At Dubai's Sheikha Hessa For Replacing Him As The Headline Act

November 20, 2008 8:07 a.m. EST

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (BANG) - Dubai's Sheikha Hessa reportedly upset Akon when she replaced him as the headline act at her recent birthday party.

The royal - full name Sheikha Hessa Bint Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah - is said to have outraged the hip-hop star when she pulled him from the top bill at the extravagant bash in place of stars from U.S. TV show "America's Got Talent" Nuttin' But Stringz.

A source told the New York Times newspaper: "Akon was pouting the rest of the night and wouldn't talk to anyone."

But a spokesman for the star denied there were any bed feelings over the rescheduling, saying: "He performed for an hour and there was no pouting."

Both Akon and urban violin act Nuttin' But Stringz were flown out especially for the performance by the Dubai princess.

Akon is not the first A-list star to be offered vast sums to perform in front of Dubai's royalty.

"2 Hearts" singer Kylie Minogue was paid around $1.5 million for a private performance in Dubai to open Atlantis, The Palm resort, attended by members of the royal family.

However, "Angels" singer Robbie Williams has been banned from the country by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who claims he "terrified" the prince's thoroughbred racehorses last time he performed there.