Artist with raunchy video in Tampa tonight

By: Janie Porter

Ybor City, Florida – It started as a dance contest at an Akon concert at an adult club in Trinidad on April 12th. The hip hop star called a 15-year-old girl to the stage, promising her a trip to Africa if she won.

What came next was a crude, sexual performance that led, at least in part, to Verizon canceling its sponsorship of the tour.

“It’s something we’ve been looking at for a while. The leaked tape certainly didn’t help,” says Verizon spokesperson Bob Elek.

The 42-second tape has already been downloaded by more than 14,000 viewers on YouTube.com. [Link -- WARNING! Graphic Content]

Ally Spector is one of them.

“It’s not necessary. It’s dirty,” she says. “Even if they’re over 18, it’s still, it’s tasteless.”

Spector works at Hot Wax, a hip hop music shop in Ybor City.

“I thought it was a little gratuitous. And then I saw the under-aged girl, and I again thought it was gratuitous. I don’t think you need that at a concert.”

Jennifer McKay stopped by Hot Wax Monday to look for some house music. She considers herself an Akon fan, but says hearing about the video has made her rethink her support of the singer.

“I think it’s pretty gross. I really have no intention of wanting to see it,” she says.

A spokesperson for the Ford Amphitheater says the video will have no impact on tonight's performance. He added that Akon’s people do not plan to field any questions about the video.