'Friday' Singer Rebecca Black Responds to 'Worst Song Ever' Label
Rebecca Black responds to critics, tells "GMA" she has "talent on some level."
March 18, 2011 — -- Thirteen-year-old Rebecca Black is a bona fide Internet sensation after the video for her song "Friday" went viral, but even though it's been viewed more than 15 million times on YouTube, few people think the song is a hit.
Despite it Internet buzz, Rolling Stone magazine called "Friday" an "unintentional parody of modern pop."
Black told "Good Morning America" she was initially shocked by the backlash, but now she's taking the criticism in stride.
"At first, when I first saw all these nasty comments, I did cry," said Black. "I felt like this was my fault. And I shouldn't have done this, and this is all because of me. And now I don't feel that way."
The simple lyrics – delivered via auto-tuned vocals set to pop music -- revolve around the teen's planned enjoyment of a weekend about to be spent partying with friends.
The lyrics include:
Seven a.m., waking up in the morning/Gotta be fresh, gotta go downstairs/Gotta have my bowl, gotta have cereal Seein' everything, the time is goin' /Tickin' on and on, everybody's rushin'/Gotta get down to the bus stop/Gotta catch my bus, I see my friends.
Much of the criticism has centered on Black's voice and the song's lyrics, but the attacks have also been personal.
According to Black, the worst comment said, "I hope you cut yourself, and I hope you get an eating disorder so you'll look pretty. And I hope you go cut and die."
Despite the severe criticism, "Friday" continues to rack up views since it was first posted to YouTube on Feb. 10. It's even spawned several covers, including this one by Kyle Puccia that's been seen more than 80,000 times.
"Friday" Singer Rebecca Black Shaken By Nasty Comments
"Friday" is produced by California-based Ark Music Factory and was funded by Black's parents.
Ark Music producer Patrice Wilson said Black was not off key before the auto-tuned technology was applied and that her voice was "actually really good."
Black says the harsh criticism has not killed her confidence. "I think I have talent on some level," she said. "I don't think I'm the worst singer, but I don't think I'm the best singer."
The song is available on iTunes and a downloadable cell phone ring tone.