Back in February 2011, Rebecca Black who was then 13 years old released the most talked-about music video on the internet called “Friday” which garnered 166 million views in just 4 months! Its surge was due to a comment by American comedian and writer Michael J. Nelson calling it “the worst video ever made” on Twitter.
“Friday” has been criticized by netizens, comedians, and artists; some even created parodies and remixes of the song.
(Also read: Rebecca Black Sings Follow Up Song to Friday – Saturday!)
It was then removed from YouTube in June and was re-released in September of the same year. As of writing, it now has 149 million views. Re-watch the Friday music video by Rebecca Black here:
Almost ten years later, one of the top comments on this video now says, “The fact that she hasn’t deleted this is honestly so gangsta.” Here’s what Rebecca Black looks like now at age 23:
View this post on Instagram
Yes, that did not stop her from creating more music. However, in an Instagram post last year, the singer and YouTuber opened up about the low self-esteem, depression, and bullying she dealt with after her song went viral.
View this post on Instagram
In the caption, she wrote: “9 years ago today a music video for a song called “Friday” was uploaded to the internet. Above all things, I just wish I could go back and talk to my 13-year-old self who was terribly ashamed of herself and afraid of the world; to my 15-year-old self who felt like she had nobody to talk to about the depression she faced; to my 17-year-old self who would get to school only to get food thrown at her and her friends; to my 19-year-old self who had almost every producer/songwriter tell me they’d never work with me; [and] hell, to myself a few days ago who felt disgusting when she looked in the mirror! I’m trying to remind myself more and more that every day is a new opportunity to shift your reality and lift your spirit. You are not defined by anyone’s choice or thing. Time heals and nothing is finite. It’s a process that’s never too late to begin and so, here we go! This might be a weird thing to post but the honesty feels good if nothing else.”
Black also greeted the song that started it all a happy birthday on her TikTok account last year.
@msrebeccablackyep that’s me, 9 years makes a difference! happy birthday #friday ?
Visit Rebecca Black’s YouTube channel to listen to her new songs and watch her vlogs here.
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Do you want us to feature your business, story, or video? Email me at gizelle.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message at When In Manila Gizelle on Facebook. To keep up with the latest news, join our Viber group!
