Bebe Rexha celebrates no. 1 hit as independent artist after emotional label exit
The singer shared an emotional video from the day she was dropped after 12 years
Bebe Rexha is celebrating a career-defining milestone and reflecting on one of her lowest moments after her latest single climbed to the top of the charts.
The 36-year-old singer-songwriter revealed that her track “New Religion” has reached No. 1 on two Billboard charts, marking a major achievement in her first era as an independent artist.
To mark the moment, Rexha shared an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, May 5, beginning with a previously unseen video filmed on Jan. 25, 2023 — the day she learned she was being dropped by her label after 12 years.
In the clip, a visibly upset Rexha recorded herself in tears as she tried to process the news and uncertainty about her future.
“I know that I’m loved by the people around me, and I don’t know where I go next,” she said in the video.
“This video will probably never see the light of day, but I wanted to make it so that I can watch it, and hopefully I’ll be in a better place.”
That moment of doubt was followed in her post by a stark contrast — a screenshot showing “New Religion” topping the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay and U.S. Dance Radio charts.
“First I wanna say to the fans this isn’t just my win. This is our win,” Rexha wrote in the caption. “This means more to me than any other accolade I’ve ever received because I’m doing this on my own terms.”
She admitted that going independent initially felt daunting.
“Going independent was so scary, I honestly thought it was over for me,” she wrote, adding that the past several years had been a personal and professional struggle she largely endured privately.
Rexha credited her current team for helping her rebuild, calling the experience a “rebirth” and thanking her independent label for its support.
Her post concluded with a defiant image of herself raising both middle fingers — a symbolic contrast to the vulnerability shown in the opening video — underscoring her newfound confidence and creative freedom.
New Religion, released in March, serves as the lead single from her upcoming album Dirty Blonde, set for release on June 12.
The project marks a new chapter for Rexha, one she has described as unfiltered and fully self-directed.
In a recent interview, the singer said she finally feels at peace with her career trajectory.
“I’m happy, finally. I see the light on the other side of the tunnel,” she said, adding that being surrounded by a supportive team has made a significant difference.