Bebe Rexha Opens Up About Finding Her Voice Again After Years of Feeling Powerless
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As she launches her independent album Dirty Blonde, Rexha tells PEOPLE that her greatest achievement has been persevering despite the challenges she faced.
Authenticity has long been one of Bebe Rexha’s defining traits. During a recent Zoom interview from her Los Angeles home, the singer spoke candidly about the personal and professional transformation that has shaped the latest chapter of her career.
After parting ways with her longtime record label in 2025, Rexha embraced independence and began rediscovering her creative identity. The 36-year-old artist explained that years of feeling powerless had left her disconnected from her emotions, making it difficult to express herself honestly through her music. Looking back, she believes much of her time under her previous contract was creatively restrictive, though she now prefers to focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.
That renewed sense of freedom is evident on her fourth studio album, Dirty Blonde, released on June 12. The project marks a return to the energetic dance-pop sound that first helped establish her career while also highlighting a more personal and introspective side of her songwriting. Rexha said creating the album without outside limitations allowed her to fully explore her artistic vision.
Before becoming a successful solo performer, Rexha built a reputation as a songwriter behind major hits, including “The Monster,” recorded by Eminem and Rihanna. Since launching her solo career in 2014, she has demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving comfortably between genres with songs ranging from the country crossover hit “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line to the dance anthem “I’m Good (Blue)” alongside David Guetta.
For years, Rexha sometimes questioned whether her genre-spanning catalog made it harder for audiences to define her as an artist. However, while working on Dirty Blonde, she embraced that diversity instead of viewing it as a weakness. She now sees her willingness to collaborate and experiment with different styles as an essential part of who she is.
Growing up on Staten Island in a family with Albanian roots exposed her to a wide variety of musical influences, contributing to her refusal to be confined to a single sound. Although she admired many traditional pop stars, she often felt she did not fit the conventional mold associated with mainstream pop success.
The album itself reflects that individuality. Initially envisioned as a dance-heavy record featuring tracks such as “Tokyo” and “New Religion,” the project gradually evolved to include softer, more acoustic and country-inspired songs like “Drink and a Little Love.” Several tracks also draw directly from Rexha’s personal experiences, touching on topics such as navigating the music industry and processing past relationships. As she assembled a new creative team, she found herself becoming more emotionally open, allowing deeper feelings to shape the music.
Throughout her career, Rexha has been known for her honesty about struggles with self-image and mental health. Unlike many celebrities who cultivate a flawless public image, she has consistently shared both her triumphs and insecurities with fans. Reflecting on her relationship with her body, she acknowledged the various physical changes she has experienced over the years, emphasizing that confidence and self-worth matter more than appearance alone. Today, she says she feels happier than she has in a long time.
Rexha also recognizes that she may never fit the stereotype of the untouchable pop superstar. Rather than striving for perfection, she has chosen to embrace relatability and transparency. For her, telling the truth about her experiences and connecting with people through honesty has become far more important than maintaining an idealized celebrity image.