PinkPantheress Earns Honorary Music Doctorate at 24
Not many musicians receive such an honor at such a young age. PinkPantheress is more than just a TikTok-born pop star.
PinkPantheress, the internet-born alt-pop phenomenon will be be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Kent in recognition of her musical achievements and impact in the digital age.
It’s a full-circle moment for the singer, who started her career just a few years ago by posting a Michael Jackson-sampling track, Just A Waste, to TikTok on Christmas Day 2020. Over the following months, she shared short clips of her songs — unfinished, unfiltered, and undeniably catchy.
Her DIY approach quickly turned into a record deal with Parlophone, Top 40 singles like Just for Me, Pain, and Boy’s a Liar, and recognition from both critics and fans alike.
In 2022, she topped the BBC Sound of 2022 poll and took home Best Female Act at the MOBO Awards. Just last month, she performed at Glastonbury, proving she’s far more than just a viral moment.
Still, her rise hasn’t come without cost. Last year, she canceled several tour dates, citing the need to prioritize her physical health and overall wellbeing. Recently, she revealed on social media that years of loud performances had left her 80% deaf in one ear.
Despite this, her influence keeps growing. Her honorary degree places her alongside this year’s other Kent honorees, including author Sir Michael Morpurgo, filmmaker Andrea Arnold, and conservationist Giles Clark.