kesha

In 2010, Kesha released her debut album Animal, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, driven by the massive success of the single “Tik Tok.” The song became a cultural phenomenon and was, at the time, the best-selling digital single in history with over 14 million units sold globally. She continued to build her career with the release of top-ten albums including Warrior (2012), Rainbow (2017), and High Road (2020). Her hit singles include “Your Love Is My Drug,” “We R Who We R,” “Die Young,” “Timber” (with Pitbull), and more, totaling ten Billboard Hot 100 top-ten entries.

Kesha’s journey through fame has not been without challenges. Between the release of Warrior and Rainbow, her career was significantly impacted by a high-profile legal battle with her former producer Dr. Luke, which began in 2014. The case, Kesha v. Dr. Luke, involved allegations of abuse and breach of contract. It was ultimately settled out of court in June 2023.

Despite these obstacles, Kesha emerged as a resilient and empowered artist. She fulfilled her five-album contract with Kemosabe Records by releasing Gag Order in 2023 and is set to independently release her first album under her own label, Kesha Records, titled Period, on July 4, 2025.

Throughout her career, Kesha has sold over 100 million records worldwide. By 2017, she had sold 87 million tracks and streams, and by 2019, 14 million album-equivalent units. She was ranked as the 26th top artist on Billboard’s decade-end charts for the 2010s and received numerous accolades, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act in 2010.

Beyond her solo work, Kesha is also a prolific songwriter, having penned hits for other artists such as Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends,” and contributing to music for Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Miranda Cosgrove.

Before her fame, Kesha’s early years in the industry were marked by determination and hustle. Signed to Prescription Songs in 2005 at the age of 18, she began working as a background vocalist and songwriter, including co-writing the Veronicas’ “This Love.” While struggling financially and working as a waitress, she adopted the stylized name Ke$ha—a tongue-in-cheek nod to wealth and materialism.

Today, Kesha stands as a symbol of self-expression, artistic independence, and resilience, continuing to evolve and make her mark on the music industry.