Rebecca Black is opening up about the emotional toll of her rapid rise to fame following the release of her viral song Friday in 2011. At just 13 years old, Black was catapulted into the spotlight, but with that fame came unkind comments from some of the very celebrities she admired. On the Jan. 14 episode of Mythical Kitchen, Black shared how tough it was when even artists like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber poked fun at her.
Despite the negative comments, one bright moment stood out for Black: Lady Gaga’s kind words, calling her a “genius” in a 2011 interview. At the time, Black said, Gaga’s support meant the world to her, and it’s something that continues to resonate as she navigates her career today.
Black also reflected on how her perspective on fame shifted after Friday went viral, saying, “It was crushing as a kid” to be ridiculed by people she once looked up to. However, over the years, her fans, especially those of Gaga and Perry, have been nothing but kind.
With her debut album Salvation set for release on Feb. 27, Black is now empowered by the lessons learned during her early experiences in the spotlight.
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