5 Shocking Moments & Triumphs That Defined Bebe Rexha's Massive 2023

Bebe Rexha’s 2023 was an explosive, rollercoaster year, cementing her status as a pop powerhouse while simultaneously testing her resilience in the public eye. The singer-songwriter delivered her highly anticipated third studio album, embarked on a major North American and international tour, and saw her global collaboration with David Guetta reach staggering new heights. This article, updated for December 11, 2025, dives deep into the triumphs, controversies, and personal battles that made 2023 one of the most defining periods of her career. The year was characterized by both professional success—driven by the momentum of her smash hit "I'm Good (Blue)"—and intense personal challenges, including an alarming on-stage incident and the ongoing fight against online harassment. Her candid approach to these issues resonated deeply with her fanbase, the Rexhars, ensuring her music and message remained at the forefront of the music industry conversation.

The Full Profile: Bebe Rexha Biography and Career Overview

Bebe Rexha, whose full birth name is Bleta Rexha, is an American singer and songwriter born on August 30, 1989, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents are of Albanian descent, with her father, Flamur Rexha, an ethnic Albanian born in Debar, North Macedonia, and her mother, Bukurije Rexha, born in the United States to an Albanian family. The name "Bleta" means "bee" in Albanian, which is the origin of her professional nickname, "Bebe." Her career began to gain traction in the early 2010s, initially as a songwriter. She notably co-wrote the massive 2013 hit "The Monster" for Eminem featuring Rihanna. Her breakthrough as a solo artist and collaborator came with tracks like "Me, Myself & I" with G-Eazy, "In the Name of Love" with Martin Garrix, and the country crossover hit "Meant to Be" with Florida Georgia Line. Prior to 2023, she had released two studio albums, *Expectations* (2018) and *Better Mistakes* (2021), establishing her signature blend of pop, R&B, and electronic dance music.

The *Bebe* Era: Album, Chart Success, and Global Collaborations

The centerpiece of Bebe Rexha's 2023 was the release of her third studio album, *Bebe*, which dropped on April 28, 2023, under Warner Records. The self-titled project served as a follow-up to *Better Mistakes* and was a critical and commercial success, with the album entering the prestigious *Billboard 200* chart.

The Unstoppable Success of "I'm Good (Blue)"

While the album *Bebe* featured new tracks like "Heart Wants What It Wants" and the Snoop Dogg collaboration "Satellite," its success was significantly amplified by the continued, unexpected global dominance of "I'm Good (Blue)." The track, a collaboration with French DJ David Guetta, is a modern interpolation of the 1990s Eiffel 65 hit "Blue (Da Ba Dee)." Although the single was initially released in late 2022, its momentum carried strongly into 2023, earning a Grammy nomination and becoming a staple at major music events. Rexha herself spoke about the "unexpected" success of the single while walking the red carpet at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The song's massive airplay and streaming numbers helped propel Rexha into her most commercially successful year to date, showcasing her enduring appeal in the electronic and pop music landscapes.

New Singles and Musical Directions

Following the album's release, Rexha continued to push new music, demonstrating her versatility. She released the single "I'm The Drama," an electrifying track that further explored themes of emotional complexity and self-assertion. Her performance at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards was another major highlight, where she showcased her commanding stage presence and the energy of her new material.

The 'Best F*n Night of My Life' Tour: On-Stage Attacks and Resilience

To support the new album, Rexha announced her second headlining concert tour, the "Best F*n Night of My Life Tour," in February 2023. The North American leg of the tour kicked off in May and June, with dates stretching across the continent before heading overseas to cities like Bangkok.

The Shocking Cell Phone Incident

The tour was unfortunately marred by a shocking and widely publicized incident of fan violence. During a performance in New York City in June 2023, a concert-goer threw a cell phone that struck Rexha directly in the face. The attack forced her to leave the stage, and she later revealed the extent of her injuries, which included a black eye and the need for stitches. The man responsible for the assault was arrested and charged. The incident sparked a major conversation across the music industry about the safety of performers, with many artists and fans expressing outrage and support for Rexha's ordeal. Her ability to return to the stage shortly after the attack became a powerful symbol of her professional resilience.

Navigating Public Life: Body Shaming and Controversies

Beyond her music and the on-stage attack, 2023 saw Bebe Rexha take a courageous public stance on several personal and political issues, connecting with fans on a deeper, more vulnerable level.

Calling Out Body Shamers and Promoting Self-Love

Throughout the year, Rexha was a vocal advocate against the pervasive issue of body shaming in the entertainment industry. She openly called out online trolls and critics who commented negatively on her weight. Her response was not just defensive but empowering, using her platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance, particularly for women who are constantly scrutinized. This candid approach was a key part of her public narrative in 2023, transforming a negative experience into a positive message for her millions of followers.

The Alleged "Hate Crime" Incident

In another high-profile controversy, Rexha alleged that she was mentally abused by a Lufthansa staff member and banned from a flight for speaking Albanian. She publicly accused the airline of perpetrating a "hate crime," stating she was left distraught by the experience and that a simple apology would not suffice. This incident drew attention to issues of discrimination and cultural identity, with Rexha using her platform to speak out on behalf of her Albanian heritage.

Dealing with Stalking and Harassment

In a bizarre and unsettling public moment, Rexha also revealed that she had received strange and disturbing items in the mail, including used toilet paper, from an unknown sender. This disclosure highlighted the dark side of fame and the harassment that celebrities often endure, further underscoring the intense personal challenges she was navigating while maintaining a demanding professional schedule. Bebe Rexha's 2023 was a testament to her strength as an artist and as an individual. From the massive success of her *Bebe* album and the "I'm Good (Blue)" phenomenon to the harrowing experience of the on-stage attack, she faced every challenge with transparency and defiance. Her willingness to discuss mental health, body image, and personal trauma cemented her role not just as a global pop star but as an essential voice for resilience and self-love in the contemporary music scene.