Pop singer Kesha has been open about many of the struggles she’s faced in her career. This is especially true regarding the previous recording contract with Dr. Luke, which she was bound to until 2023. Now, the “Praying” singer is discussing her “Gag Order” album and how it ultimately led to her freedom.
Kesha appeared on the “La Culturistas” podcast in July 2026, speaking with hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang for over an hour in an episode titled “The Gospel of the Goose.” During the conversation, she brought up her fifth studio album, “Gag Order.”
According to her, “And that performed so badly, that album, performed on the charts so poorly, that it led to my freedom.” After that, she mused on the idea of failure and how it can often lead to what a person ultimately needs.
She added, “You really don’t know what your story is doing for you.”
The Singer Noted That All Her Previous Albums Had Been Successes
Kesha continued discussing her failed fifth studio album by comparing it to her past chart success. She said, “Like at the time I was like, ‘That’s so interesting.’ Like every album I’d put out before that had been like a top 10 or something, and then this came out, and I was like, ‘Oh, d-mn.’”
From there, she admitted that she didn’t initially think fans would love the music from “Gag Order” as they did some of her earlier hits like “TikTok,” but the failure still came as a surprise, one she later welcomed. Kesha went on to say, “But I always loved the album, and I loved the process of making it.”
In revealing her attitude toward the album at the time, she joked, “I was like, ‘If people don’t get it, it’s because they’re not that cool.’ Like it’s so good.”
Kesha Left Her Record Label Following The Album
Kesha signed with Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke’s record label, which is distributed by RCA, in 2005. However, things took a dark turn with their professional relationship, and the singer accused him of sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse in October 2014. This came after, according to Vulture, she filed a lawsuit, claiming her druged and sexually assaulted her in 2005.
However, despite the accusation, Kesha remained legally bound to the contract, releasing multiple albums signed to the record label owned by her alleged abuser. Regarding her exit from the company, “Gag Order” served as her final obligation, and she was released from the contract in December 2023.
A representative for the singer released a statement to Variety confirming that she also parted ways with her longtime manager, Jack Rovner: “Jack Rovner confirms, after 16 years, Kesha and Vector Management have agreed amicably to part ways, with much love and respect.”
Kesha also released a statement, saying, “My manager has been an unwavering supporter of helping me get through the lengthy legal battle I have been embroiled in for almost a decade.”
She continued, “We have achieved many great successes and have shared a magnificent part of my life with me. I am so grateful to them and always will be. In need of a fresh start in my life, we have parted ways, but I will remain forever grateful for the run we had.”
The Singer Released Her Latest Album In 2025
Nearly two years after parting ways with both her label and management company, Kesha released her sixth studio album, “. [Period]” in July 2025. Notably, this marked her first independent project under her own Kesha Records. The album consisted of 11 tracks and, according to Pitchfork, marked a return to her high-energy roots while embracing new musical trends.
The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard Top 200 and number 1 on the Top Album Sales, Vinyl Sales, and Top Dance/Electronic album charts. The new LP was preceded by the lead single, “The One,” which shot to number 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart.
Kesha Is On Tour… Again
Kesha announced the “Freedom Tour” in March 2026, with dates beginning in May and going until August 30. The tour includes special guests such as Chromeo, Meek, Erika Jayne, and Sizzy Rocket.
Per LiveNation, she said in a press release, “This summer we are reclaiming our bodies, our voices, and our joy. We have survived. Now we get to be free. Let’s be free together. I want to know what freedom feels like, with all of you.”
It continued, “I’ve lived through the fire. This tour is about what comes after. Freedom isn’t just leaving something behind—it’s discovering that what you have lived through has made you magnificently who you are.”
Before the “Freedom Tour,” Kesha embarked on the “T-ts Out” tour from mid 2025 until March 2026.