Bella Kay Reflects on Turning One Heartbreak into Her Debut Album My Reckless Abandon and Reveals SZA Became an Unexpected Supporter
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The Texas-born singer-songwriter speaks with PEOPLE about her rise to viral fame and the journey of pursuing her musical ambitions.
Bella Kay says that if someone had asked her a year ago to identify the defining moment of her career, she would have pointed to the viral success of her emotional breakup song, “The Sick.” Speaking with PEOPLE, the rising artist admitted she worried the track might be the only reason audiences would remember her, knowing how difficult it can be for musicians to follow up a hit. Fortunately, those fears proved unfounded.
Today, the 20-year-old indie-pop singer-songwriter believes her real breakthrough came when her guitar-driven anthem about self-sabotage, “iloveitiloveitiloveit,” climbed to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning her first appearance on the chart. The song not only attracted a wider audience but also led many listeners to discover “The Sick,” helping pave the way for her signing with Atlantic Records in July 2025.
For the Texas native, those milestones made the release of her debut album, My Reckless Abandon, especially rewarding. She describes the record as a deeply personal exploration of recurring self-destructive patterns, reflecting on the emotional struggles and personal growth that have shaped her life.
During her conversation with PEOPLE, Kay explained that her passion for music began at an early age but became more serious during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was around 13 or 14 years old. Inspired by talented songwriters, she realized how powerful songwriting could be as a way to express emotion. After getting her first guitar, she started writing songs and never looked back.
Among the artists who influenced her most while growing up were Lizzy McAlpine, Olivia Rodrigo, and Rihanna, whose music she frequently listened to both at home and on the radio.
Kay also shared that writing had always been one of her greatest passions. Before discovering songwriting, she enjoyed creating stories and fictional characters while also loving to sing. Once she realized songwriting allowed her to combine those interests, she found the creative outlet she had been searching for. Although she often abandoned hobbies as a child, songwriting and playing guitar became the one pursuit she never wanted to quit.
She described music as her emotional refuge, explaining that whenever she felt upset—whether after a difficult day at school or an argument with her brothers—she would retreat to her room and write. For Kay, songwriting became a safe space to process her emotions without fear of judgment. She believes that openness is why listeners often describe her songs as feeling like diary entries. While she never consistently kept a written journal as a child, she says the songs she created over the years have become the closest thing she has to one.