Kesha Celebrates Release of Long-Awaited Music Video “Backstabber”
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Pop sensation Kesha has finally unveiled the official music video for her track “Backstabber”, a project that has been over 16 years in the making. The eagerly anticipated visual premiered on 26 October 2026 and has been met with excitement by fans, with Kesha expressing her disbelief that the moment has finally arrived.
The song “Backstabber” is part of Kesha’s debut album, Animal, which was released in 2010. Over the years, the track has gained considerable popularity, particularly due to its resurgence on platforms like TikTok. Kesha took to Instagram the day before the launch to share her excitement, stating, “I can’t believe I’m saying this but after 16 years, it’s finally here.”
In her social media posts, Kesha shared that the long delay in releasing the video was due to a complex backstory. She has been striving to make the visual a reality for years, often expressing her frustrations along the way. On X, she noted, “it’s a longggg storyyyyyyy,” indicating that her journey to release the video was anything but straightforward.
The newly released music video showcases Kesha as she navigates through a vibrant, neon-lit urban landscape. It captures her playful spirit while delving into themes of revenge against betrayal. The visual begins with Kesha, who is in her late thirties, hopping out of a car only to be left by a companion who drives away with it. In a twist of events, the narrative culminates with Kesha getting her revenge through a light-hearted slap.
Visually, the music video sees Kesha donning her classic debut-era style, complete with a glittery, smoky eye and her signature tousled blonde hair. The aesthetic pays homage to her original punk-inspired look, featuring an animal-print leotard and a bold leather jacket. In an eye-catching transformation, Kesha later appears in a striking ensemble with metallic blue lipstick and a fashionable outfit crafted from trash bags.
While engaging with fans on X before the video’s drop, Kesha revealed that the final look was a nod to her innovative use of unconventional materials. “It was actually the first time I made a piece of clothing out of trash bags,” she shared, highlighting a creative flair that has become synonymous with her persona.
The theme of betrayal resonated with Kesha on a personal level. In response to a fan, she recounted a painful experience where a friend abandoned her at a party and made her pay for a lift back in her own car. This relatable anecdote underlined the connection between her life experiences and the song’s narrative.
In a nod to the track’s themes, Kesha has announced a special release of a knife-shaped vinyl for “Backstabber,” with “Cannibal” featured as the B-side. She enthusiastically shared this news on Instagram, saying, “I couldn’t think of a better time to be the first ever artist to drop a knife vinyl!!”
Since the release of Animal, Kesha has continued to evolve as an artist, going on to release five additional studio albums. Her latest record, simply titled . (PERIOD), made an impact in July 2025. Kesha’s journey reflects her resilience and growth in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, and the release of “Backstabber” marks a significant milestone in her artistic legacy.
Fans of Kesha are eagerly embracing the music video and her unique style, and it seems the long wait has only increased the excitement surrounding her work. As Kesha continues to make waves in the music world, her ability to connect with audiences through both her music and personal stories remains a defining aspect of her career. With a vibrant new video and innovative merchandise, Kesha is undoubtedly seizing the moment and celebrating her return to the spotlight with joyful fervour.