During this year’s Coachella festival, Kesha joined Reneé Rapp for a performance that resonated as more than just a musical collaboration; it was a public stance on a pressing social issue. In a surprising twist on Kesha’s 2009 hit “Tik Tok,” the artists changed the opening lyrics to explicitly criticize P. Diddy amid his ongoing legal battles and allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking.
The original line, “Wake up in the mornin’ feelin’ like P. Diddy,” was boldly transformed into a defiant “Wake up in the mornin’ like, ‘F— P. Diddy,'” with both artists simultaneously giving the middle finger, a gesture that was met with cheers from the Coachella crowd. This moment of solidarity was underscored by Kesha’s tweet later that evening, emphasizing the revised lyric in a move to ensure her message was clear.
Reneé Rapp, who has recently embraced her identity as a lesbian and become a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, also used her Coachella stage to celebrate inclusivity and empowerment. Introduced by cast members from the iconic series “The L Word,” Rapp’s set was a declaration of her identity and an invitation for her fans to openly celebrate theirs. The performance included spirited calls to the audience, engaging both queer fans and their allies, and culminated in a powerful duet with Kesha that aligned both artists against a backdrop of advocacy and defiance.
This isn’t the first time Kesha has stood against injustice in the music industry. Her legal battles and advocacy for sexual assault victims have made her a symbol of resilience. By updating “Tik Tok” at Coachella, she continues to leverage her platform to support those who are fighting against abuse and exploitation.
Rapp’s and Kesha’s updated rendition of “Tik Tok” not only signifies a new era for the song but also for the artists themselves, who are using their voices and visibility to challenge industry norms and support broader social change.
As the legal proceedings against Diddy continue, with federal raids and mounting accusations painting a complex picture, the music industry and its observers are reminded of the power of artists like Kesha and Rapp who are willing to stand up and speak out. This performance at Coachella will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in both their careers and in the ongoing dialogue about accountability and justice within the music industry.
Sources
- Billbord: Kesha & Reneé Rapp Update ‘Tik Tok’ Diddy Lyric in Surprise Coachella Duet
- Pink News: The queerest moments from Reneé Rapp’s Coachella set, from The L Word cast to kissing Towa Bird
- Kesha Shades Diddy in New ‘Tik Tok’ Lyrics During Reneé Rapp’s Coachella 2024 Performance: ‘F— P. Diddy’
- Pictures can be found on instagram @kesha and @reneerepp
