Rebecca Black is an American singer and internet personality who first became widely known in 2011 after the release of her song "Friday." The music video for "Friday" quickly went viral due to its catchy chorus, simple lyrics, and heavily Auto-Tuned vocals, as well as its unusual production style. The song received widespread attention—both positive and negative—and is often cited as an early example of viral internet fame.
Born on June 21, 1997, in Irvine, California, Rebecca Black was only 13 years old when "Friday" was released. The song was produced by ARK Music Factory, a company that offered music video production services to aspiring young singers. While "Friday" was widely mocked online, it also catapulted Black into mainstream pop culture, leading to appearances on shows like "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and a cameo in Katy Perry’s "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" music video.
After the initial wave of internet notoriety, Rebecca Black faced intense cyberbullying and public criticism, but she continued to pursue her music career. Over the years, she released additional singles such as "Saturday" and "The Great Divide," gradually gaining respect as an independent artist. Rebecca Black has also become known for speaking out about online bullying and mental health, and she has embraced her role as an LGBTQ+ advocate.
In recent years, she’s continued to release new music, including a more mature and experimental sound, and has built a loyal fanbase on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Rebecca Black’s story is often cited as an example of how viral fame can evolve and how an artist can reclaim their narrative after an overwhelming — and often harsh — introduction to fame.