In the sea of constant uploads on apps, finding a standout can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Everywhere you turn, there's another video. But once in a blue moon, someone rises above.
Have you met Bella Poarch? If not, you might've skipped a few TikTok sessions (no judgment here). You've bypassed some genuine gems, then. Listen up! With over 96M followers, she's a significant player on the platform. Today, we're delving into her story. Ready to get acquainted with the head tilt queen?
From Sailor to TikTok Queen
Bella Poarch was born in the Philippines in '97. Not much is online about her life, but she was in the U.S. Navy. Crazy, right? She went from the Navy to being super famous online just by nodding her head! Think getting big on TikTok is easy? Bella made loads of people notice her with just one dance move.
But it wasn't just about pretending to sing. She got everyone talking with her "M to the B" move. When she used it with Millie B's song? Everyone was hooked! Bella wasn't just someone on TikTok; she was THE one. Getting famous online isn't easy, but Bella made it look that way!
The Filipina-American Powerhouse on Forbes' 2024 Radar
Bella Poarch scored big time by getting on Forbes' top creators list for 2024. What's super cool? She's the only Filipino on that awesome list.
Bella's rise to fame on the internet has been crazy fast. This Filipina-American star, who's famous for her catchy TikTok videos, got a shoutout from Forbes as one of the "Top Creators of 2024." She bagged a whopping $3.3 million, which is P189 million!
At only 28, she's 34th on the list, which shows just how much of a splash she's made. This year's top 50 creators got together a crazy fanbase of 2.6 billion followers. And together, they earned about $700 million, a jump of over 20% from last year.
What's wild about Bella's spot on the Forbes list is she's the only one there who served in the military. She went from fixing Navy helicopters to being a big name on the internet. Talk about a switch!
Forbes didn't just pick names out of a hat. They looked at earnings, how many followers creators had, how active their fans were, and other cool projects they were doing. Bella's been working with fancy brands like Moncler and even teamed up with video games like 'Call of Duty.'
And just for the record, MrBeast, or Jimmy Donaldson, is the king of the list. He's got 312 million followers and made a mind-blowing $82 million this year.
TikTok Queen Turned Music Scene Dream
Think Bella was gonna chill after conquering TikTok? Think again! She entered the music world with her banger, "Build a Bitch." Not just a toe-tapper, but a whole mood about being true to yourself. And the video? It's like a "who's who" of the internet. Bella's got that Midas touch – everything she's involved with turns to gold. She didn't just join the music game; she changed the rules.
Besides being a digital goddess, Bella's shining a big ol' spotlight on her Filipino heritage. She's out here making all the Filipinos proud, showcasing her culture, and doing it with style. Seeing someone bring their roots to the forefront, making waves, and creating bridges for cultural understanding is dope. Go on, Bella! Represent!
2021: A Year of Milestones for Bella Poarch
● Vogue Taiwan Feature: Bella demonstrated her TikTok makeup flair for Vogue Taiwan, showcasing her signature looks.
● Music Ventures: Bella wasn't just about TikToks. She teamed up with Sub Urban for the "Cirque" music video, released in March 2021. But she didn't stop there. In May, she stepped into the limelight with her debut single, "Build a Bitch," which Billboard hailed as a "refreshing take on modern pop." This hit track showcased Bella's vocal talent and spotlighted internet stars like Valkyrae, Mia Khalifa, Bretman Rock, and ZHC.
● New Releases: By August, Bella dropped another banger, "Inferno," which was a lead-in for both her debut EP, "Dolls," and Sub Urban's studio album, "Hive."
A Personal Revelation
Bella's music isn't just catchy tunes. Beneath the rhythm and lyrics lies a profound narrative. In the comments of her music video, Bella bared her soul, sharing her harrowing experiences with sexual assault. For her, the song and its accompanying visuals were more than just entertainment – they were a medium to reflect her lived experiences and resonate with others who've walked in her shoes.
Influences & Musings
In separate interviews with Billboard and Vogue, Poarch cited her musical inspirations as Prince, Dua Lipa, Madonna, Miku Hatsune, and Japanese culture. When questioned about her transition from TikTok to the music world, she stated:
"Music is something I take seriously; it's a dream come true. I've manifested this and always told myself I'd get there regardless of the route. Starting as an influencer might not be in my favor, and many assume my musical journey started recently. But, in truth, I've been into music my entire life. There's a lot of negativity and skepticism about TikTokers diving into music. At the end of the day, though? I couldn't care less. I just love doing what I do."
Tackling Beauty Standards
In a TikTok Star-Turned-Musician feature, Bella Poarch also discussed the challenging beauty standards of today.
Bella's Horizon: What's Next?
Bella's journey so far has been wilder than a rollercoaster ride. She's doing everything from TikTok dances to chart-topping jams to being a proud voice for her heritage. And she's just getting started! Given her mad skills and versatility, the sky's the limit. Bella's on her way to being an influencer and a game-changer.
Bella Poarch & HUGO: When TikTok Meets High Fashion
Bella Poarch is more than just a TikTok icon. Yeah, she's teamed up with HUGO and is leaving footprints on the fashion world's runway. Her style? It's a wild mix of punk and pop. When they saw it, HUGO knew a good thing, leading to a killer partnership.
Together, they lit up the London Fashion Week at Flannels X, unveiling the 'Bellaverse,' a creative world chock-full of futuristic feels, LED lights, and digital art reflecting Bella’s one-of-a-kind imagination. And she’s not just about looks. Bella’s got beats, sharing the stage with the likes of TSHA, Tamera, and Marie, blending her music with her fashion game.
The HUGO x Bella Poarch collection? It's not your everyday gear. Think relaxed, comfortable jeans and shirts stamped with Bella’s unique face. The collection turns heads worldwide after making a splash in London, Liverpool, and Sheffield. So yeah, Bella’s not just rocking TikTok – she’s making her mark in the worlds of fashion and music, showing she’s full of surprises.
Tattoos, Harambe, and the Tyga Tape Tempest.
Bella Poarch's tattoo controversy stirred up a storm when viewers noticed ink resembling the Kyokujitsu-ki, a symbol tied to Japanese imperialism – a sore spot for many Koreans. By September 2020, Bella had already apologized and kept the tattoo out of the spotlight.
Then there's the "Harambe" hiccup. Apparently, she jokingly named a fair-skinned buddy "Harambe," a nod to the gorilla that met an untimely end. Critics cried racism, but Bella shot back, claiming it was a military nickname. In Swahili, "Harambe" translates to "wisdom in hunting," she swears it wasn't a racial dig.
As for the sex tape scandal with Tyga? It's mostly smoke with little fire. While the web's been buzzing with claims of their alleged intimate video, there's zilch proof to back it up. The rumor mill started grinding harder when Tyga, who recently launched his OnlyFans, had his explicit photo leaked. Meanwhile, Heavy tried to pry some info from Poarch's team, but it was radio silence from her end. As for her and Tyga? Their biggest collab seems to be one TikTok video from August 2020, where they did the "hit the woah" challenge. Got 5 million likes, but as for a sex tape? It's all just thirsty clickbait.
