Kesha [1]'s journey to stardom has been anything but smooth. The singer first hit the airwaves a decade ago with her unpaid cameo on Flo Rida's hit "Right Round." Shortly after her debut on that track, the star released the now-infamous "Tik Tok" — a song that stayed at No. 4 on the charts [2] for 42 weeks and in our collective mind much longer. Since then, Kesha has proved to be a singing and dancing queen [3] on stage.
However, in 2015, the singer filed a lawsuit against record producer Dr. Luke, claiming he had emotionally and sexually abused her and manipulated her career. While Kesha dropped the suit in 2016, the trauma of the alleged abuse informs her music, particularly later releases such as the unflinchingly raw "Praying." With her brand-new album, High Road [4], expected to drop in December, let's take a journey back through 10 of Kesha's best live performances. Expect tears, laughter, and tunes.
Kesha Sings "Animal" and "Blow" at the Billboard Music Awards in 2011
Back in 2011, Kesha showed us what her pipes were made of at the Billboard Music Awards. Opening with the soft and melodic "Animal." and then leading into electro-dance-pop anthem "Blow," the star proved that she is a multifaceted performer.
Kesha Signs "It Ain't Me Babe" at the Billboard Music Awards in 2016
Five years later, Kesha returned to the Billboard Music Awards stage to deliver one of her rawest performances to date. Originally by music legend Bob Dylan, "It Ain't Me Babe" is an emotional and honest song that pulls on the heartstrings. Sung earnestly by the star, it's hard not to catch feelings.
Kesha Sings "Raising Hell" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2019
Kesha asks the audience to "please rise" before performing her 2019 single "Raising Hell" on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Featuring Big Freedia, the tune is a fast-paced dance number that's hard to ignore and the star delivers it with endless energy.
Kesha Performs "Praying" at the Grammy Awards in 2018
Last year, Kesha hit stages with her award-nominated song "Praying." Her Grammy Awards performance, featuring Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, Bebe Rexha, and Julia Michaels, brought the crowd to tears [5]. Stars including Hailee Steinfeld and Bruno Mars were clearly affected by the moving number.
Kesha Sings "Die Young" at the American Music Awards in 2012
This throwback to 2012 is when Kesha performed live at the American Music Awards. The star sang her hit single "Die Young," complete with Day of the Dead backing dancers and a golden leotard costume.
Kesha Performs "We R Who We R" on X Factor Australia in 2010
Performing her 2010 song "We R Who We R," Kesha headed to the land down under the same year. Her breathtaking performance of the tune may have even won her a whole new fan base in Australia.
Kesha Sings "'Til It Happens to You" Live at To The Rescue Gala in 2016
"I want to dedicate this song to every man, woman, child and animal that has ever been abused," utters Kesha before launching into a heartbreaking cover of Lady Gaga [6]'s "'Til It Happens to You." The inspiring performance took place at the Humane Society Gala in Los Angeles in 2016.
Kesha Sings "You Don't Own Me" at Firefly Festival in 2017
The 2017 Firefly Festival in Dover, DE, was the setting of one of Kesha's best live performances. The singer delivered a powerful and strong rendition of the Lesley Gore classic song "You Don't Own Me."
Kesha Sings "Hymn" at YouTube Live in 2017
From the album Rainbow, "Hymn" is arguably one of Kesha's most emotive and moving songs. In 2017, the star took to the stages of YouTube to showcase the unbreakable anthem. Singing to an intimate crowd, Kesha is in her element as a performer.