This time around, Kesha couldn't be happier to embrace her newfound sense of self. In fact, the white, feathered Atelier Biser gown she chose to wear to the 2026 Grammy Awards carries a special significance. "I really wanted to embody Athena," Kesha shared with E! News' Zuri Hall on the red carpet. "I've been inspired by Athena lately, and I wanted to represent freedom, because this is my first Grammy weekend as a free woman, owning the rights to my voice – a record label head. I wanted my appearance to match my inner essence."
With the establishment of her label, Kesha Records, in 2024, all her music releases belong to her, fully and exclusively. And the dramatic, off-the-shoulder dress, brought to life by stylist Wilford Lenov, is a testament to Kesha's unwavering force.
But owning her music isn't the only thing the "TiK ToK" singer is celebrating these days. She also recently honored Mariah Carey at the MusiCares gala on Jan. 30. "Mariah Carey is an icon, and we can all agree on that," Kesha said. "She's been through so much in the music business and has dealt with it so gracefully. She's a huge inspiration to me as a woman in music."
Being able to sing for her was, of course, intimidating," she added. "Because she's one of the best voices in the world, but I just wanted to show my love for her in my own way." And the cherry on top? "She followed me on Instagram," Kesha revealed. "That's huge."
Plus, Kesha's song "Dear Me," written for Diane Warren's documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, earned a Best Original Song nomination at the Oscars. "Diane is one of the most iconic songwriters in the world, and she asked me to sing a song for her documentary about herself," Kesha explained. "The song really spoke to me. It's about writing a note to yourself when you were younger, going through hard times and telling yourself that one day it'll be okay."
Something that feels "really appropriate" for Kesha now, as a free woman at the Grammys, to talk about that song. "I wish I could write a note to my younger self," she added. "And I'd say, 'It's gonna be okay.'"
