In 2011, Rebecca Black launched her eponymous YouTube channel with pop star dreams, uploading original songs complete with music videos and behind-the-scenes footage. After a few songs, at just 13 years old, she became an overnight viral sensation (for better or for worse), thanks to the video for her song “Friday,” which now boasts more than 174 million views.
Since then, Black has (mostly) stayed out of the spotlight, stepping back from the public eye while privately evolving her music. Now, almost 13 years after the debut of “Friday,” the 27-year-old hyperpop princess has officially re-entered the zeitgeist.
On Friday, Black releases her sophomore album, “Salvation,” a follow-up to 2023’s debut album “Let Her Burn.”
“After my debut album came out, I immediately had this vision in my head of where I wanted my next [project] to go, but it ended up being the exact opposite of what ‘Salvation’ turned out to be,” Black says. “Originally, I thought my next era would be more organic, with analog instruments and a focus on the natural side of music — but that actually led to a bunch of mid songs. I’m glad I took a step back, though. I couldn’t be happier with the end result of ‘Salvation,’ which carries this overarching message of canceling all the outward noise and being myself.”
The seven-track project includes high-energy tracks like “Sugar Water Cyanide,” “Tears in My Pocket,” “Twist the Knife” and the lead single, “Trust.” The accompanying music video for “Trust,” directed by Olivia De Camps, takes place in a dimly lit courtroom, blending drama with avant-garde fashion and choreography to “amplify its themes of empowerment,” Black says.
In the opening scene, a lineup of influencers steps forward with wild accusations and backhanded remarks ranging from “I heard she had sex with Elon Musk” and “She’s been autotuned so much, even Siri sounds better” to more positive statements like “She’s always going to eat” and “Her body’s tea.”
Rebecca Black poses during “Trust” music video.
Finn Sanders
“For the video, the director and I came up with the idea of exploring the concept of the court of public opinion, which is why it takes place in a courtroom,” Black says. “My career has always been defined by conflicting opinions about me. I’ve experienced the full spectrum — being idolized, criticized, accepted and rejected. Now, I’m at a point where I’ve decided this is who I am, and I’m not bothered by anyone’s opinions. It was really about presenting that and letting the conversation continue — the [good and the bad].”
In support of her project, Black will kick off “The Salvation Tour” in March, hitting 19 cities including Chicago; Los Angeles; Manchester, U.K.; Toronto; Philadelphia, and Portland, Ore. She’ll also perform in London, which she describes as “the most special place” to perform.
“It’s so surprising how much I’ve been embraced by London…I really feel connected with people there,” Black says. “I’m also excited for Brussels, as it’s a new place for me. And of course, New York — that show will definitely be super fun.”
Although details for the tour are still being finalized, Black says that corsets will “definitely” be a key piece of her tour wardrobe. “I love corsets because they’re practical when I’m doing choreography,” she says. “They make me feel cinched and snatched, and help with my giant breasts.”
While the album and tour are big moments for Black, it was her DJing career that reignited her presence in pop culture.
Rebecca Black’s performance at Mighty Hoopla in 2024.
Redferns
She began her DJ journey in 2018, gaining major traction over the summer of 2024 with standout performances like her “Rebecca Black & Friends” set at Coachella, as well as appearances at Pride festivals in Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities.
One performance that truly stood out was her set for Boiler Room — an iconic music broadcaster known for spotlighting talented DJs — which was an opportunity Black describes as a “bucket list” item for her.
“I initially said ‘no’ to filming the set because I was so afraid of not meeting my own expectations,” Black says. “But I’m glad I did it because that hour on stage helped me embrace imperfection, let my guard down and accept that the version of myself that exists right now is enough. Did I have a perfect set? No, but I feel really proud and happy to have done something I’ve always wanted to do.”
