Kesha’s Tragic Real-Life Story

We all were familiar with Kesha’s voice before “TiK ToK” was one of 2009’s biggest hits, as she was featured on Flo Rida’s 2009 single “Right Round.” In speaking with Vibe in 2010, Kesha explained that it was practically by chance that she ended up on the track. “I walked into the studio one day — because Flo Rida was working with the same producer as me — and I kinda sat down and started singing along. He liked my voice and in five minutes he was just like, ‘Put it down,’” she said.

It became a smash success and was played endlessly, but unfortunately, Kesha never received any money for her contribution. In fact, her lack of credit played a part in the dollar sign she used in her name, as it became ironic that she had no money, despite hearing “Right Round” play wherever she went. “I’d walk into a movie and it would be playing. I’d walk into Walgreens, the grocery store, and it was playing, at a time when I didn’t even have enough money to buy my groceries in, like, the dollar store,” she told The Guardian.

Kesha ended up working with Flo Rida again on “Touch Me” and again received zero compensation, but at that point, she had been grateful for the experience. Luckily, Kesha soon established herself as a successful pop star and was able to make money from her own songs.