Kristina Roberts
Kesha, the popular singer-songwriter, is making headlines as she humorously reacts to the news of the TikTok ban in the United States. As the Supreme Court prepares to enforce the ban on the social media platform, Kesha took to Instagram to remind fans that while TikTok may be temporary, her iconic song “TiK ToK” is timeless.
The 37-year-old artist shared a playful video of herself wearing a black hoodie, with the chorus of her famous song “TiK ToK” playing in the background. Over the video, she added the text, “TikTok may be temporary, but TiK ToK is forever.” Fans quickly flooded the comments, celebrating her witty response and expressing their admiration for the singer.
The Legacy of ‘TiK ToK’
Kesha’s hit single “TiK ToK” was released in 2010 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It spent nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying her place as a leading voice in pop music. Over the years, the song has remained a favorite, regularly featured in parties, events, and pop culture references.
Several fans affectionately dubbed Kesha “the original Queen of TikTok,” noting the irony of her song’s name sharing its title with the social media platform. One fan wrote, “There will ALWAYS be the one and ONLY TiK ToK!” Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the song’s lasting impact.
Changing Lyrics to Reflect the Times
As much as “TiK ToK” is cherished for its upbeat vibe and catchy lyrics, Kesha has also shown a willingness to adapt the song to modern realities. Last year, she made headlines when she altered the opening line of the song during a live performance at Coachella. Originally, the song began with the lyric, “Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy,” referencing music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
However, following serious allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking against Diddy, Kesha changed the line to: “Wake up in the morning feeling like, f— P. Diddy.” The bold move demonstrated her commitment to standing against inappropriate behavior and taking a strong moral stance.
Kesha later addressed the lyric change in a heartfelt social media post. Reflecting on the song’s release nearly 15 years ago, she described it as a reflection of her younger self—playful, carefree, and full of life. “That girl was naïve and wild and playful,” Kesha wrote, adding that the song captures a part of her that she cherishes and now fiercely protects.
Looking Back on ‘TiK ToK’
Kesha shared how much the song has meant to her over the years. She described its creation as a joyful experience that aligned with the positive energy she wanted to share with the world. In her post, she explained, “TiK ToK was the first single that I put into this world that had my voice AND my name credited. I remember making it fun and happy because that’s how I felt and wanted others to feel.”
The song’s enduring popularity has proven its timeless appeal. Fans from different generations have connected with its lively beats and empowering lyrics. For Kesha, the song represents a moment in time that she treasures—a glimpse into her younger self and the way she viewed the world when she was just starting her career.
The TikTok Ban and Its Implications
While Kesha’s playful post highlights the lighter side of the news, the TikTok ban itself has sparked widespread debate. The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed the ban to proceed, with the app scheduled to shut down on Sunday, January 19. The decision comes after concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be influenced by the Chinese government, potentially risking the privacy and safety of American users.
The legislation, signed into law last year, required ByteDance to sell the app to a U.S.-based company. When the company failed to comply, the government moved forward with the ban. Critics of the decision have argued that the move is based on exaggerated fears and amounts to censorship. TikTok itself has strongly opposed the ban, calling it unjust and based on flawed information.
Moving Forward
As the debate over TikTok’s future continues, Kesha’s message serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music. While platforms may come and go, art has the ability to transcend time and connect people across generations. Her playful post highlights the joy and nostalgia that her song “TiK ToK” continues to bring, even 15 years after its release.
