On April 9, 2025, Keri Hilson, the American singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and catchy hits, made an appearance on The Breakfast Club, where she candidly addressed a controversy that has lingered for over a decade. The discussion centered around her 2009 remix of “Turnin’ Me On,” which many interpreted as a diss towards pop icon Beyoncé. This moment in Hilson’s career has been a source of backlash and scrutiny, and during the interview, she reflected on the impact it had on her life and career.
Hilson began by expressing her regret about the lyrics in the remix, clarifying that they were not her own. “It’s a regret. But not in the way people think. That’s a song I actually didn’t write. Those are not my words,” she explained. The Georgia native revealed that during a studio session with producers Polow Da Don and Timbaland, the lyrics were penned by Ester Dean, and they contained veiled references to Beyoncé’s hit song “Irreplaceable.” The specific lines that sparked outrage included jabs at Beyoncé’s talent and personal life, suggesting she should “move it to the left” and “go have some babies.”
Hilson recounted the pressure she felt in the studio, stating that she was unwilling to sing the controversial lyrics. “I’m an athlete… I’m a finesse player. I’m not a nasty player, I’m not a dirty player. I don’t even look at things like that,” she said, emphasizing her desire to maintain integrity in her artistry. However, she alleged that Polow Da Don threatened her career if she did not comply with the direction he wanted for the song. At the time, Hilson was on the verge of releasing her debut album, “In A Perfect World,” and felt trapped by the circumstances.
The singer described the emotional turmoil she experienced during this period, admitting that she was “in tears” and felt powerless. “I was super young and felt like I had no power or choice,” she shared. Despite her reservations, she ultimately recorded the remix, which leaked and led to a firestorm of criticism directed at her. Hilson noted that she had recorded her own version of the song, which did not include any references to Beyoncé, but it was never released. Instead, she had to “eat” the backlash that followed, a burden she still feels today.
“I’m still eating it to this day because I’m still getting asked about that 15 however many years, 16-17 years later. It’s like I’ve worn the scarlet letter,” Hilson lamented. She expressed a sense of regret for not speaking out against the decision to include the diss lyrics at the time, feeling that it was all part of a larger plan orchestrated by Polow Da Don.
In her interview, Hilson also touched on the broader implications of the incident on her career. She mentioned that the fallout from the remix affected her public image and relationships within the industry. The backlash was not just limited to fans; it also influenced her interactions with other artists, including Beyoncé. In a previous conversation, Hilson revealed that she had met Beyoncé years later and felt a sense of healing in that moment, indicating that she believed Beyoncé understood the context of what had transpired.
The conversation around the remix resurfaced in light of Ester Dean’s recent apology, where she acknowledged that the lyrics were “childish and didn’t age well.” Dean took full accountability for her role in the controversy, expressing regret for any hurt caused, particularly to women. This acknowledgment added another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the pressures and dynamics within the music industry, especially for female artists.
Hilson’s reflections on the incident highlight the complexities of navigating fame, artistry, and personal integrity. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming album “We Need to Talk,” scheduled for April 18, 2025, it is clear that the lessons learned from her past continue to shape her approach to music and her career. The singer remains a figure of resilience, using her platform to share her experiences and advocate for authenticity in the industry.
