Kesha raised eyebrows on Thursday while performing her new single "JOYRIDE" at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City.
The 37-year-old singer-songwriter, who recently launched the single following her departure from Dr. Luke's record label less than a year ago, took center stage wielding a large knife.
Kesha's performance drew comparisons to a dangerous dance by Britney Spears last year involving large kitchen knives. The pop icon, 41, wielded two knives in a silent video shared with her 42.1 million Instagram followers, showcasing an improvised choreography in the foyer of her California home. Despite the provocative display, Britney Spears reassured fans in the caption that the knives were not real ones.
Kesha's performance coincided with her celebration of independence, which was marked by the release of her new single, "JOYRIDE," on Independence Day.
Sporting a dazzling black corset with lace panels, Kesha grabbed the audience's attention by holding up a black T-shirt emblazoned with the word "free" in glitter, symbolizing her newfound liberation from the record label.
The performance marked a significant milestone for Kesha, as it represents her first musical release as an independent artist under her own Kesha Records, following a prolonged legal battle with producer Dr. Luke, whom she accused of various forms of abuse-sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional.
During the event, Kesha made multiple outfit changes, including a nun-inspired look, before transitioning into a cowboy chic ensemble.
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She also made a bold statement by displaying a sanitary pad to the crowd with the word "c***y" printed on it.
The blonde singer looked stunning, with loose waves and silver sparkly eyeshadow accentuating her appearance.
This single marks Kesha's first release since she departed from RCA and Kemosabe Records in December. The departure followed the settlement of her defamation lawsuit with Dr. Luke, founder of Kemosabe Records, just a month before the scheduled June 2023 trial.
The split from the label came after the release of her fifth album 'Gag Order' in May, which fulfilled her contractual obligations to Kemosabe.
Originally from Los Angeles, the singer filed a lawsuit against Dr. Luke in 2014, alleging sexual assault and emotional abuse.
Last weekend, the 'TiK ToK' singer shared a brief Instagram video showcasing various red ensembles.
Initially posing in a car and riding in a convertible, she playfully gestured to the camera with a raised middle finger. Later, she sported a red cowboy hat and held up a handwritten cardboard sign adorned with "Joy Ride."
Additionally, the pop star unveiled the cover art for her new single, depicting her seated on the hood of a car in red mesh leggings and glossy boots.
