Kesha, the iconic singer known for hits like “Tik Tok,” is reassuring fans amidst concerns of a potential ban on the popular social media app TikTok. In a video shared on Instagram, Kesha can be seen wearing a black hoodie while her hit song “Tik Tok” plays in the background. She captioned the video with a message stating, “TikTok may be temporary, but TiK ToK is forever,” along with peace sign and black heart emojis.
The song “Tik Tok” was a massive success upon its release in 2010, spending nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Kesha even made a significant change to the lyrics of the song during a performance in Oakland, California, in 2023. She replaced the opening line, originally referencing P. Diddy, with a new line reflecting her own identity. This change came in the wake of a lawsuit filed against P. Diddy by Cassie (Cassandra Ventura) for allegations of sexual assault and abuse.
Following Cassie’s lawsuit, more allegations have surfaced against P. Diddy, leading to his incarceration at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York. Kesha continued to stand by her decision to change the lyrics of “Tik Tok” during her performance at Coachella in 2024, solidifying the new version of the song with a permanent lyric swap.
In a statement to TMZ at LAX airport, Kesha confirmed the permanence of the lyric change and encouraged her fans to learn the updated lyrics for her upcoming shows. She expressed her unwavering commitment to speaking the truth and standing by her beliefs, even in the face of industry challenges.
As the U.S. government moves forward with the proposed TikTok ban, ByteDance, the owners of the app, have pledged to make TikTok inaccessible for users in the United States. This decision follows concerns raised by Congress about potential espionage by China through the app. Content creators and influencers who rely on TikTok for income through the TikTok Creator Fund, brand sponsorships, and merchandise sales will be significantly impacted by the ban.
The loss of TikTok will undoubtedly have a major ripple effect on the social media landscape, affecting both users and creators alike. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the app’s future, Kesha’s reminder that “TiK ToK is forever” serves as a comforting sentiment for fans during this time of change and transition.