R. Kelly’s racketeering and sex trafficking convictions, along with a 30-year prison sentence, were upheld Wednesday by a federal appeals court that concluded the singer exploited his fame for over a quarter century to sexually abuse girls and young women.

An appeals court has denied the singer's challenge to his conviction on racketeering and sex trafficking charges as he serves 30 years in prison.

R. Kelly is staying in prison on his sex trafficking and racketeering convictions for the required 30 years. His request for appeal was denied by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday (Feb.