Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kesha
How Kesha built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Kesha Rose Sebert, known professionally as Kesha (formerly Ke$ha), is an American singer and songwriter. She achieved mainstream recognition in 2009 with her collaboration on Flo Rida's hit song "Right Round."
2005: Signing with Prescription Songs
In 2005, at age 18, Kesha was signed to the music publishing company Prescription Songs.
2006: Signing with DAS Communications Inc.
In 2006, Kesha signed with David Sonenberg's management company, DAS Communications Inc.
2008: Early Career Appearances
In 2008, Kesha appeared in the video for Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and sang background vocals for Britney Spears' "Lace and Leather".
2009: Rise to Prominence
In 2009, Kesha achieved her first major success as a featured artist on Flo Rida's number-one single, "Right Round".
2009: Record Deal with RCA
In 2009, Kesha signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records and began finalizing her debut album, having written approximately 200 songs for it.
2009: "Tik Tok" Success
In 2009, Kesha's single "Tik Tok" was released and later became the best-selling digital single in history.
2009: "Right Round" Feature
In early 2009, Kesha appeared on Flo Rida's number-one single "Right Round," which exposed her to mainstream attention.
June 16, 2010: Benefit Concert for Flood Victims
On June 16, 2010, Kesha held a benefit concert, raising close to $70,000 to aid victims of the 2010 Tennessee floods in Nashville.
November 2010: Release of 'Cannibal'
In November 2010, Kesha re-released 'Animal' with a companion extended play, 'Cannibal', and the lead single "We R Who We R" debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
2010: Meeting Alice Cooper
After meeting Kesha at the 2010 Grammy Awards, Alice Cooper asked her to collaborate on his album.
2010: Release of 'Animal'
In 2010, Kesha released her album 'Animal', which became a number-one album on the US Billboard 200.
February 2011: Get Sleazy Tour
In February 2011, Kesha embarked on her first headlining world tour, the Get Sleazy Tour, which was expanded due to high demand.
June 2011: Digital Sales Milestone
By June 2011, Kesha had sold almost 21 million digital single downloads in the United States alone.
2011: Writing 'Warrior'
In 2011, Kesha began writing for her second studio album, 'Warrior', while on her headlining tour.
2011: Songwriting for Britney Spears
In 2011, Kesha co-wrote "Till the World Ends" for Britney Spears.
2011: "Tik Tok" Record Broken
In 2011, Kesha's "Tik Tok" was surpassed as the best-selling digital single in history.
November 2012: Release of Autobiography
In November 2012, Kesha released her illustrated autobiography 'My Crazy Beautiful Life'.
November 30, 2012: Release of 'Warrior'
On November 30, 2012, Kesha's second studio album, 'Warrior', was released.
2012: Release of 'Warrior'
In 2012, Kesha released her album 'Warrior', which became a top-ten record.
March 23, 2013: Wyler Award
On March 23, 2013, Kesha received the Wyler Award from The Humane Society for her animal rights advocacy.
April 2013: "Crazy Kids" Release and Documentary Airs
In April 2013, Kesha's third single from Warrior, "Crazy Kids", was released, achieving success in South Korea and Belgium. Also in April 2013, Kesha: My Crazy Beautiful Life, a TV documentary series, began airing on MTV.
July 2013: Warrior Tour Begins
In July 2013, Kesha launched the Warrior Tour to support her album 'Warrior'. The North American leg was co-headlined with rapper Pitbull. This tour marked a significant promotional effort for the album amidst varying commercial success of its singles.
July 2013: Flaming Lips Collaboration Announced
In July 2013, The Flaming Lips announced plans for a collaborative album with Kesha, titled Lipsha. However, this project was later cancelled in the winter of the same year.
October 7, 2013: "Timber" Release
On October 7, 2013, Kesha and Pitbull released their collaboration, "Timber". The song became an international commercial success, marking Kesha's third number-one and tenth top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100.
June 2014: Rising Star Expert
In June 2014, Kesha became an expert on the American television singing competition Rising Star, alongside Brad Paisley and Ludacris, marking her entry into TV talent shows.
August 4, 2015: Signs with SESAC Inc.
On August 4, 2015, Kesha signed with American performance rights organization SESAC Inc. This marked a change in her professional affiliations.
October 12, 2015: Guest Stars on Jane the Virgin
On October 12, 2015, Kesha appeared as a guest star in the second season of the U.S. television series Jane the Virgin, playing the hostile neighbor Annabelle.
December 2015: Forms Yeast Infection Band
In December 2015, Kesha revealed that she had formed a country music and classic rock-influenced band called Yeast Infection and performed a live show with the band in Nashville on December 23, showcasing a different side of her musical interests.
April 29, 2016: "True Colors" Single Release
On April 29, 2016, a studio version of the collaboration between Kesha and Zedd, "True Colors", was released as a single. The song was initially performed at Coachella.
May 22, 2016: Billboard Music Awards Performance
On May 22, 2016, Kesha covered Bob Dylan's song "It Ain't Me Babe" at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. The performance marked a significant public appearance for Kesha during her legal battles.
June 11, 2016: Pride in the Street Performance
On June 11, 2016, Kesha performed at Pride in the Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The performance was part of her return to public performing.
July 23, 2016: Kesha and the Creepies Tour Commences
On July 23, 2016, Kesha began her third worldwide concert tour, the Kesha and the Creepies: Fuck the World Tour (2016–2017), in Las Vegas. The tour included covers and reworked versions of her hit singles.
August 11, 2017: Rainbow Album Release
On August 11, 2017, Kesha released her third studio album, Rainbow, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album received universal acclaim from music critics for its feminist angle and musical diversity.
September 26, 2017: Rainbow Tour Begins
On September 26, 2017, Kesha embarked on the Rainbow Tour (2017–2019), starting in Birmingham, Alabama, and visiting North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
2017: Record Sales Milestone
As of 2017, Kesha had sold over 100 million records worldwide, including 87 million tracks and streams.
2017: Last charted song
In 2017 Kesha last charted on the UK Singles Chart until the release of "Joyride" in 2024
2017: Release of 'Rainbow'
In 2017, Kesha released her album 'Rainbow', which became a number-one album on the US Billboard 200.
January 2018: "Woman" Released as Single
In January 2018, "Woman" was released as the second single from the album Rainbow. It charted in the lower regions of the record charts and became the second platinum-certified single from the album in the US.
June 6, 2018: The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore Tour Begins
On June 6, 2018, Kesha began a co-headlining concert tour with Macklemore named The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore in North America.
August 5, 2018: The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore Tour Ends
On August 5, 2018, Kesha's co-headlining concert tour with Macklemore named The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore in North America ended.
August 10, 2018: Rainbow: The Film Released
On August 10, 2018, Kesha's documentary film, Rainbow: The Film, was released on Apple Music. The film chronicles her time in rehab for an eating disorder and the creation of Rainbow.
September 19, 2018: "Here Comes the Change" Release
On September 19, 2018, Kesha released her song "Here Comes the Change", which served as a single to promote On the Basis of Sex (2018), a biographical film about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
October 2018: "Safe" Collaboration Released
In October 2018, Kesha collaborated with her younger brother Sage Sebert and rapper Chika on the song "Safe" as an homage for the Parkland high school shooting, showcasing her support for social causes.
2018: Performed "Praying" at the Grammys
At the 2018 Grammys, Kesha performed "Praying" with other notable women in music to support the Time's Up movement against sexual harassment.
2018: Wrote "Woman" in Protest of Donald Trump
In 2018, Kesha wrote her single "Woman" as a protest against President Donald Trump's "pussy grabbing comment", using her music to express political dissent.
February 2019: Kesha's Weird and Wonderful Rainbow Ride Cruise
In February 2019, Kesha hosted a 4-day-long cruise called Kesha's Weird and Wonderful Rainbow Ride. The cruise set off in Tampa, Florida, and ended in Nassau, Bahamas, featuring various special guests.
October 21, 2019: High Road Album Title Confirmed
On October 21, 2019, Kesha released a trailer to confirm the title of her fourth studio album as High Road. The trailer announcement built anticipation for the upcoming album release.
2019: "Tik Tok" Sales Milestone
As of 2019, "Tik Tok" had sold about 14 million copies worldwide, becoming a best-selling single.
January 31, 2020: High Road Album Release
On January 31, 2020, Kesha's fourth studio album, High Road, was released. The album performed moderately commercially and received positive reviews.
February 2020: "Cannibal" Gains Viral Status
In February 2020, Kesha's 2010 promotional single "Cannibal" gained viral status due to a dance trend on TikTok, leading to renewed interest in the song.
April 18, 2020: One World: Together at Home Performance
On April 18, 2020, Kesha performed at the One World: Together at Home benefit event. She brought awareness to the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 13, 2020: Podcast Announcement
On November 13, 2020, Kesha announced the creation of her own podcast, Kesha and the Creepies. This announcement was made with an announcement video.
November 20, 2020: Podcast Launch
On November 20, 2020, Kesha and the Creepies podcast series officially launched, marking her entry into the world of podcasting and exploring supernatural subjects.
2020: Release of 'High Road'
In 2020, Kesha released her album 'High Road', which became a top-ten record.
August 13, 2021: Kesha Live Tour Begins
On August 13, 2021, Kesha embarked on her fifth headlining tour, Kesha Live (2021), with Betty Who as the opening act, beginning in Billings, Montana. The tour was initially planned for 11 shows but was extended to 22.
August 30, 2021: Electric Easy Podcast Premieres
On August 30, 2021, Electric Easy, a scripted podcast starring Kesha, premiered. In August 2021, Kesha served as executive producer.
September 12, 2021: Kesha Live Tour Ends
On September 12, 2021, Kesha's fifth headlining tour, Kesha Live, concluded after being extended to 22 shows.
June 1, 2022: "Taste So Good" Release
On June 1, 2022, Kesha provided vocals for the song "Taste So Good", with Hayley Kiyoko, Vincint, and MNEK. The song promoted the cannabis infused drink, Cann.
July 8, 2022: Conjuring Kesha Premieres
On July 8, 2022, Conjuring Kesha, a show starring and produced by Kesha, premiered on Discovery+. The show features Kesha and her guests exploring paranormal hotspots.
April 25, 2023: Gag Order Album Announcement
On April 25, 2023, Kesha announced the title of her album to be Gag Order and unveiled its artwork.
May 19, 2023: Gag Order Album Release
On May 19, 2023, Kesha's album Gag Order was released. Three singles, "Eat the Acid", "Fine Line", and "Only Love Can Save Us Now" were released to promote the album.
June 2023: Featured as Beelzebub in Helluva Boss
In June 2023, Kesha voiced Beelzebub "Queen Bee" in the season 1 finale of the YouTube adult animated series, Helluva Boss, marking an appearance in animated series.
December 18, 2023: Parted Ways with Kemosabe Records and RCA
On December 18, 2023, Kesha officially ended her contractual obligations with Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records and RCA, as reported by Variety. She also split with Vector Management and thanked her former manager, Jack Rovner, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career.
2023: Release of 'Gag Order'
In 2023, Kesha fulfilled her five-album contract with Kemosabe Records by releasing the album 'Gag Order'.
February 2024: Signed with Crush Management
In early February 2024, Kesha signed with Crush Management. She also shared that she has been writing new music and has a release date marked on her calendar.
June 29, 2024: Announced New Single "Joyride"
On June 29, 2024, Kesha announced her new single, "Joyride", signaling her first release after leaving Kemosabe and RCA Records. This marked a new phase in her independent music journey.
September 2024: Distribution Deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance
In September 2024, Kesha's independent record label, Kesha Records, entered a distribution deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance (owned by Warner Music Group), expanding the reach of her music.
October 14, 2024: Featured on Charli XCX's "Spring Breakers" Remix
On October 14, 2024, Kesha was featured on the remix of Charli XCX's song, "Spring Breakers", which was included on the album, Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat, showcasing her versatility in collaborations.
2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris for President
In 2024, Kesha endorsed Kamala Harris for the US Presidential election, actively participating in the political process.
2024: Independent Release
In 2024, Kesha released her first independent single, "Joyride", under her own label, Kesha Records.
2024: Taught Songwriting Course at Esalen Institute
In early 2024, Kesha taught a two-and-a-half week songwriting course called 'The Alchemy of Pop Music' at the Esalen Institute, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring songwriters.
January 24, 2025: Released "Dear Me"
On January 24, 2025, Kesha released the song, "Dear Me", written by Diane Warren, as part of her upcoming musical projects.
2025: Upcoming Album Release
Kesha's sixth album is currently set to be released in 2025.
2025: Sixth studio album slated for release
Kesha's sixth studio album is slated for a 2025 release, generating anticipation among her fans for new music.
