Kesha is opening up about her dating experiences and the lessons she has learned along the way, particularly concerning the intentions of her past partners. In a candid interview with ELLE, the 37-year-old pop star discussed a recent breakup that left her questioning the motives of her ex-boyfriend.
Kesha shared that her ex ended their relationship after she chose to take a friend to one of Taylor Swift’s parties instead of him. “I had a feeling that he was in it for the wrong reasons and was a bit of a starf—er,” she said. This prompted her to test her suspicions. “I decided to take one of my friends instead of him to Taylor Swift’s party. He came over the next day and broke up with me,” she recalled.
While Kesha did not disclose the identity of the ex-boyfriend in question, it is worth noting that she was most recently linked to health-tech entrepreneur Michael Gilvary in July. Prior to that, she dated film producer Riccardo Maddalosso in 2022.
The “Praying” singer’s insights into her romantic life extend beyond her recent breakup. She emphasized the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, stating that she is currently focused on herself rather than seeking out a new relationship. “I’m only going to enter into a partnership again if someone treats me as well as I treat myself,” Kesha said. She reflected on the societal pressure to find “The One,” explaining that she had been waiting for someone else to fulfill that role until she realized she could do it for herself.
Kesha’s journey toward self-empowerment has also influenced her music. After emerging from a long legal battle with producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, she founded her own independent label, Kesha Records. This newfound independence has allowed her to explore themes of self-celebration in her work, particularly in her latest single, “Joyride,” which was released on July 4 to coincide with Independence Day.
“I started taking myself on vacations, buying myself six dozen roses, and taking myself for shopping sprees at Saint Laurent,” Kesha said, detailing how she has embraced a lifestyle of self-indulgence and celebration. “Yes, I take myself on f—ing really bougie dates, like really celebrating the f— out of myself,” she added.
This shift in mindset led to the inspiration behind “Joyride.” Kesha explained that once she began treating herself with the love and respect that a romantic partner would offer, the song started to take shape in her mind. “Then ‘Joyride’ started being written in my mind. I was like, God, I am The One, though,” she stated.
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Kesha’s message of self-love resonates not just within her personal life but also serves as a broader call to her fans. She encouraged others to be their own source of happiness, advising them to “be all those things to yourself — your own boyfriend, sugar daddy, rich husband, best friend, cheerleader.”
In an industry often marked by scrutiny and superficial relationships, Kesha’s commitment to self-empowerment and authenticity stands out. As she navigates her career and personal life, she continues to emphasize the importance of self-worth and the power of celebrating oneself.
As the conversation around mental health and self-acceptance grows, Kesha’s reflections offer a refreshing perspective. Her journey is a reminder that fulfillment and happiness can come from within, and that nurturing oneself is just as important as seeking validation from others.
