In 2005, at age 18, Kesha was signed to producer Dr. Luke's record label, Kemosabe Entertainment, and publishing company. Although an active musician since then, singing background vocals and writing songs for other artists, her breakthrough came in early 2009 after appearing on rapper Flo Rida's number-one single, "Right Round.

" Her debut album, Animal and her first extended play, Cannibal, were released in 2010. Kesha's irreverent music and image propelled her to immediate commercial success, with Animal debuting as the number-one album in the US.

She also achieved two number-one singles, "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R", and a string of top ten hits from the album and its re-release. At the same time, she continued to write songs for other artists, including "Till the World Ends" for pop singer Britney Spears.

Warrior, her second studio album was released in December 2012, spawning Kesha's eighth top-ten hit with "Die Young." To this date, "Tik Tok" is the second best-selling digital single in history with over 14 million units sold internationally.

Between the Warrior and Rainbow albums, Kesha's career was halted due to a legal battle with her former producer, Dr. Luke, who she accused of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Kesha's third album, Rainbow, came out in 2017, debuting at the top of the Billboard 200.

The album, which features the single "Praying," was widely praised by music critics. Influenced by various genres and artists, Kesha primarily draws inspiration from music of the 1980s; Madonna, Queen, and Beck have been cited as instrumental to her artistry.