Kesha captivates Mighty Hoopla with Trans Voices Choir & bold fashion statement

Kesha’s performance at Mighty Hoopla moved hearts, blending music, activism, and inclusivity in a set that fans won’t soon forget.

Pop powerhouse Kesha lit up Mighty Hoopla festival in South London on Sunday (1 June) with a performance that combined her signature charisma and a powerful message of inclusivity. Amidst festival hits like ‘Tik Tok’, ‘Die Young’, and her latest single ‘Boy Crazy’, the standout moment was a heartfelt rendition of ‘Praying’, featuring the UK’s first professional trans+ vocal collective, the Trans Voices Choir.

Dressed in the now-iconic ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-shirt — a design by Connor Ives popularised by Pedro Pascal — Kesha delivered a performance that resonated deeply with the crowd. The Mighty Hoopla official account described the moment as “Kesha and the Trans Voices Choir sing ‘Praying’. Not a dry eye in the house.” Festival-goers echoed the sentiment, with comments like “The best headliner of the last three years” and “Cried my eyes out, always the most special song”.

The Trans Voices Choir has been redefining choral music in the UK, combining meditative soundscapes and bold experimentation to reclaim spaces traditionally closed to trans voices. Their collaboration with Kesha was more than just a musical moment; it was a bold statement on trans rights and representation, especially relevant following the UK Supreme Court’s April ruling defining ‘sex’ under the Equality Act 2010 as biological sex — a decision seen by many as a setback for trans inclusion.

Kesha’s support for the LGBTQ+ community has been unwavering over the years, and her Mighty Hoopla performance was a testament to her commitment to inclusivity and visibility. In a time when trans rights are increasingly under threat in the UK, her choice to centre trans voices and don a T-shirt that’s become a symbol of solidarity sent a powerful message.

The festival’s eclectic line-up also featured JoJo, Loreen, Adore Delano, and JADE, the latter making headlines for referencing J.K. Rowling during her set. However, it was Kesha’s blend of pop hits and purposeful activism that made her the weekend’s standout act.

As the final notes of ‘Praying’ faded, the impact of Kesha’s performance remained, a reminder of the transformative power of music and the importance of amplifying marginalised voices.