Tinashe says Popstar response leaves her feeling seen after years overlooked
Tinashe has released Popstar, her eighth studio album — a full-length set of new recordings — and paired it with a personal statement about persistence.
She published the lengthy message on X and Instagram, writing about often feeling overlooked by parts of the industry and some listeners, according to Billboard.
In the statement, Tinashe said for years she felt misunderstood, overlooked and “the butt of the joke” but kept going. She wrote that people asked, “She’s still making music? Why hasn’t she quit by now?”
She said she never gave up on herself or her artistry. Instead, she kept focusing on her passion and love of music and art.
Tinashe also said she had reached a place where she no longer craved validation from accolades, awards or mainstream success. That shift, she wrote, changed how she measured her work.
The response to Popstar has moved her. In her statement, she said seeing praise for the album and finally feeling seen and heard is unbelievably touching and healing.
“This moment is a testament to never giving up on yourself,” she wrote.
For fans finding the message alongside the new album, it reads as an explanation in her own words. She is still here, still releasing music, and hearing the reply.
