On her initial rise to fame in 2009: “I thought I had to be very tough and really strong and portray that I didn’t give a fuck, and that just was not the case. I was pretending like everything was great all the time.”

On overcoming body issues: “The final straw was when I was with my mom at a family dinner party and I was so anxious. Driving home, I had to pull over, and I was like, I can’t keep this secret anymore. It was scary, but I finally put my foot down and chose life. That was a huge turning point. I’m not a size. I’m not a number. I am a strong, badass, motherfucking woman, and quite frankly, I like my junk. Ten years ago, I never thought I’d be able to say that.”

Jason Kim

On her latest album, Rainbow — the first she’s released since the start of her multiyear legal battle with her former producer “Dr. Luke” who she has accused of emotional and sexual abuse: “I would write, and pain would turn into art, and the art would turn into healing, and the heal­ing turned into a record. And then I was nominated for a Grammy!”

On her upcoming 30-city Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore tour: “I’ve taken ownership of myself. I’m taking control of my life and my name and the music it’s attached to. I’m not, like, a sad sap now. There are a couple of ballads, but my show is still extremely fun. I’m not going to be less crazy. There’s an awesome band, and there’s dancing and glitter. That’s a promise I will keep — there will always be glitter.”

Stylist: Kristen Saladino

For more of Kesha, pick up the June 2018 issue on newsstands May 8, or click here to subscribe to the digital edition!



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