Of all of the massive pop moments 2016 has given us — Beyonce’s radical genre-defying political activism, Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane’s transformation into the “Black Beatles,” Fifth Harmony’s freelance anthem of “Work From Home” — one of the most exciting happened on a personal note: we got Kesha back.
The pop star has been locked in a battle with former producer Dr. Luke and Sony Records for a while now after accusing Luke of sexual and emotional abuse. Her bravery has inspired many and taught many more that if you believe in yourself, you can tackle some of life’s darkest moments. The result was a star-studded year of real pop successes. This one is for you, Ke!
Adele Shouts Out Kesha at the BRIT Awards
After making public her legal and emotional issues with Dr. Luke, celebrities came out of the woodwork to show their support for Kesha. Perhaps most memorable was Adele standing up for her at the 2016 BRIT Awards. Adele is a very open person but doesn’t feel like an especially political one — showing her support for Kesha felt like real kinship for women in pop.
Kesha Supporters Rally Outside Sony Headquarters
After making known her situation, Kesha fans immediately went to her aid — protesting outside of hearings and at the Sony Records headquarters. If anything, it proves that her Animals have her back, no matter how difficult the situation.
Kesha Honored by the Human Rights Campaign
Separate from her own legal battles, Kesha swung by the Human Rights Campaign Nashville to receive a visibility award for stance against harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. That’s just the kind of pop star she is — one who even at the most challenging point in her life and career, makes time to stand up for what is right.
She Performs with Zedd at Coachella — Her First Live Performance of the Year
When no one knew when Kesha was going to take the stage again, she got on one of the biggest: Coachella. Reworking Zedd’s single “True Colors,” the pair teamed up for a truly impassioned version of the DJ’s original work. It’s a song about strength, something Kesha knows so well.
Kesha Makes Her Public Return at the Billboard Music Awards
It wasn’t until May that we witnessed Kesha get back on the saddle as a solo artist. At the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, the she gave an incredible performance of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe.” A few days later, Kesha performed the same song at the annual Dylan Festival. Folk fans — and pop fans — show your support!
She Performs at Disney’s Gay Day and Helps Queer Couple Get Married
Kesha has always been incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ community, as evidenced by her Human Rights Campaign award, but took her love of all peoples to the next level when she helped a couple get married at Disney World’s annual Gay Day. Congrats to Joseph Negrelli and his now fiancé Naveed!
Kesha Embarks On a Summer Tour
After recognizing that her fans will never, ever leave her, Kesha announced a 2016 summer tour. It was a short stint of only a few weeks, but it showed incredible bravery — she wasn’t afraid to get back out there.
Kesha Gets a Las Vegas Mini-Residency
Following the success of her mini-tour, Kesha hopped on a short Las Vegas residency. This is typically an honor reserved for the veteran acts. Kesha being given the position proves to us that when she’s free of her contract with Dr. Luke, she’s going to continue to have a long and lucrative career.
She Takes Her Anti-Bullying Platform to Corey Feldman
Corey Feldman has entered the music game and performed a rather wild set at the Today show in September of this year. The Internet attacked him, and Kesha responded, bringing her longtime anti-bullying platform to a mainstream arena. She wrote on Instagram: “People can be so horrible and mean online and it can BREAK you… Do you, f–k everyone. those people have never performed on the today show. it’s easy to sit at a computer and talk shit.”
She Stands Up for Former Miss Universe & Bashes Donald Trump
When former Miss Universe Alicia Machado was body-shamed by Donald Trump (he called her “Miss Piggy” and “Miss Housekeeping” because she is Latina) Kesha showed her support on Instagram.
Keep fighting the good fight, Kesha!