Artist

00s Starlets Make a Music Comeback for Heartwarming Reasons

Published January 16, 2025

Leighton Meester and Heidi Montag are experiencing a surprising revival in their music careers, a little over a decade since their last releases. This unexpected surge in popularity is rooted in a heartfelt cause, as fans rally to support the actresses following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that left many without homes.

The wildfires have tragically taken at least five lives and have resulted in the destruction of numerous historic buildings. As these disasters unfolded, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, including Meester and Montag.

Leighton Meester, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, has seen her only album, Heartstrings, re-enter the music charts, peaking at number 21 on the iTunes all-genre chart. This resurgence followed alarming images of her home, which she shares with husband Adam Brody, engulfed in flames during the recent fire.

Similarly, Heidi Montag, famed for her role in The Hills, shot to number one on iTunes as news of her family's loss reached fans. Montag and her husband, Spencer Pratt, were among the first to confirm they had lost their home, sharing their heartbreaking experience on social media.

Heidi's 2010 studio album, Superficial, had not gained much traction upon its release and was even panned by critics. However, one of its tracks, I’ll Do It, saw a revival two years ago on TikTok, which helped remind fans of her music.

Spencer could be seen on their security cameras witnessing their house burn down, describing the experience as 'horror movie life.' His somber video updates have resonated with followers, prompting he and Heidi to ask fans to stream her music in hopes of generating funds for their recovery.

Grateful for the support, Heidi took to social media to thank fans for streaming her music and for helping their family during this challenging time.

Fans of Leighton are now calling for a similar support campaign, aiming to assist her and Adam Brody, who have lived in Pacific Palisades since 2019 with their two children. Leighton is also known for her 2009 hit with Cobra Starship, Good Girls Go Bad, which was a significant success, even earning a nomination for Best Pop Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

After the release of her first album, Leighton followed up with singles like Your Love’s A Drug and Somebody to Love, the latter featuring Robin Thicke. Her 2014 album, Heartstrings, reached number one on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, although it did not chart in the UK.

Interestingly, iTunes charts operate differently than streaming services, as they allow more direct purchases. This makes iTunes a more lucrative avenue for artists like Leighton and Heidi, especially during times of financial need.

music, comeback, wildfires