Kesha's first solo single in almost four years is here. Based on the powerful lyrics and vocals of "Praying", it's clear that the 30-year-old is back and bigger than ever. In addition to her releasing her song on Thursday, the artist also wrote an impactful essay for Lenny Letter. Throughout her piece, the singer makes one thing extremely clear: Kesha is determined to use her voice for good.
Really, she's been doing that ever since she first stepped into the limelight, but the way the Warrior musician is speaking up recently is particularly strong. She doesn't hold back and explains how she has once again found her voice and will use it any capacity to spread love and positivity, despite everything she has been through. She writes,
"I have realized through this long journey of ups and downs that if I'm lucky enough to have a voice that people listen to, then I should use it for good and for truth. I've battled intense anxiety and depression, a relentless eating disorder, and all the other basic bullsh*t that comes with being human. I know I'm not alone in that battle. Finding the strength to come forward about these things is not easy, but I want to help others who are going through tough times."
There's no doubt she's doing just that.
It truly has been a tumultuous time for the singer. Ever since October 2014, Kesha has been making headlines for suing producer Dr. Luke over sexual assault allegations. He has adamantly denied her claims. The case currently continues in New York, and includes Kesha trying to get out of her recording contract and Dr. Luke claiming Kesha breached her contract and defamed him, as reported by Pitchfork. Previously, Kesha dropped a case against Dr. Luke in California.
To endure what Kesha has, all while under a microscope in the public eye, has had to be difficult. Yes, there have been times when she's just wanted to die, as she expresses in "Prayer," but like the fighter she is, she found her voice and reestablished her life in a way that makes her happy once again. As she writes in Lenny Letter, "Don't let anyone steal your happiness!"
Her new material and essay show Kesha as a shining star whose flame has been reignited — and it is beautiful. Not only is her essay written with positivity showing how she feels now, but it is also so relatable others. For example, she writes, "It's from our darkest moments that we gain the most strength." This is one quote that many people can surely relate to, including myself as someone who has experienced turmoil, albeit a different kind compared to the singer.
Kesha is the type of celebrity needed in the world today. To watch her rise up from the ashes and slowly become a huge success again, while showing others they, too, can beat whatever rough times they are facing, is one of the most influential ways she could've used her voice for good.
"I hope this song reaches people who are in the midst of struggles, to let them know that no matter how bad it seems now, you can get through it," she writes. "If you have love and truth on your side, you will never be defeated. Don't give up on yourself."
And that, my fellow Animals, is Kesha's voice at her best and shows exactly why she will be remembered for her words — whether they're from a song or a letter.
Be sure to head on over to Lenny Letter, where you can read Kesha's letter in its entirety.
