Keala Settle, a celebrated performer, has become an icon of self-acceptance and body positivity. While not explicitly tied to a "weight loss program," her journey and the anthem "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman resonate deeply with themes of self-acceptance, overcoming insecurities, and embracing one's true self, irrespective of societal expectations. The song “This Is Me” was first previewed by Hugh Jackman in Australia during his 2015 Broadway to Oz tour. Keala Settle performed "This Is Me" live at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Australia on December 24, 2017. She also performed at the Carols by Candlelight Rehearsal on December 23, 2017, and followed up with an encore performance.
"This Is Me": An Anthem of Self-Acceptance
"This Is Me" is a song performed by Keala Settle for the film The Greatest Showman. The song became an anthem for self-acceptance and empowerment. Keala Settle performed the song live on The Graham Norton Show on February 9, 2018. Later she performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on February 21, 2018. She also performed the song at the 90th Academy Awards ceremony on March 4, 2018.
The song's message of embracing individuality and not being ashamed of who you are deeply resonated with audiences worldwide. The lyrics serve as a powerful declaration of self-love and acceptance, encouraging listeners to celebrate their unique qualities and defy societal norms.
The "This Is Me" Music Video and its Message
A music video of the Reimagined Remix was released on December 20, 2018. In support of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, the video features the men from the Netflix series, Queer Eye, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France, and Bobby Berk (Karamo Brown does not appear in the video), helping three students, Olivia, Timmy, and J'Shawn, and giving them a "Much More Than a Makeover" experience and help prepare them for a talent show shown at the end of the video. At the talent show, Timmy raps Missy Elliott's second verse while the song is played over him, then J'Shawn showcases his dance moves, and finally Olivia sings the bridge to the song and all three are met with praise.
Keala Settle's Personal Journey of Self-Acceptance
Keala Settle's journey to self-acceptance is deeply intertwined with her identity as a "half-Caucasian, half-Polynesian, plus-size-and-proud woman." She emphasizes the importance of coming to terms with who you are and celebrating your unique qualities.
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Settle openly discusses her past insecurities and the pressures she faced to conform to conventional beauty standards. She recounts how her mother wanted her to look like Claudia Schiffer. She highlights the importance of realizing that "the world wants you and not a carbon copy of six other people."
Settle emphasizes that the "war is within you, and that’s also where it’s won." She advocates for tackling insecurities and then letting them go, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the message of "This Is Me."
Keala Settle's Beauty and Skincare Regimen
Settle's beauty routine reflects her commitment to self-care and embracing her natural features. She emphasizes the importance of researching products that work for her unique skin type, acknowledging that her skin is different from that of 80 percent of the people in the mainland United States.
Settle shares some of her go-to beauty products, including Thayers Witch Hazel, Kiehl’s clay cleanser, and Eve Lom TLC cream. She also mentions using Korean product called J.One Jelly Pack as a primer, BareMinerals Complexion Rescue tinted moisturizer mixed with Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Highlighter, By Terry Ombre Blackstar eye shadow stick in Frozen Quartz and Eyeko mascara. Depending on the gig, she might also wear a lip - lately she’s been using Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in American Woman, and on top, she’ll wear ChapStick Total Hydration in Rose Petal.
Embracing Change and Learning from the Past
As she gracefully enters her 40s, Settle reflects on her past beauty and style choices, acknowledging both the successes and the mistakes. She emphasizes that those choices were all a part of her journey and contributed to shaping the person she is today. "You’re always building up the character of yourself," she says, adding that even "those weird bangs I had that I used to love are a small smidgen of who I am as a person."
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Settle encourages embracing past mistakes and learning from them, recognizing that they contribute to our overall character and make us who we are.
Wegovy and "This Is Me"
A reworked version of "This Is Me" was used in a 2024-2025 advertising campaign for Wegovy, a weight‑loss medication. This highlights the song's continued relevance and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences, even in contexts related to weight management.
Reception and Impact of "This Is Me"
"This Is Me" achieved significant commercial success, charting in numerous countries worldwide.
- Australia: The song reached number six on the ARIA Top 50 Singles chart.
- Austria: It peaked at number three on the Ö3 Austria Top 40 chart.
- Belgium: The song reached number 22 on the Ultratop 50 chart.
- Canada: It reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- France: The song reached number 20 on the Le classement de singles chart.
- Germany: It peaked at number 15 on the GfK Entertainment charts.
- Hungary: The song reached number 11 on the Single (track) Top 40 lista and number 5 on the Stream Top 40 slágerlista.
- Ireland: The song reached number 16 on the Irish Charts.
- Japan: It reached number 15 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and number 6 on the Billboard Japan Hot Overseas.
- Netherlands: The song reached number 20 on the Single Top 100.
- Malaysia: It was among the Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia.
- New Zealand: The song reached number four on the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart.
- Portugal: The song reached number 14 on the AFP Top 100 Singles.
- Scotland: It reached number three on the Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100.
- Singapore: It was among the Top 30 Digital Streaming Chart in Singapore.
- South Korea: The song appeared on the Gaon Download Chart.
- Spain: The song reached number 76 on the Top 100 Canciones chart.
- Sweden: It appeared on the Veckolista Heatseeker chart.
- Switzerland: The song reached number four on the Swiss Singles Chart.
- United Kingdom: It reached number three on the Official Singles Chart Top 100.
- United States: It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song also received numerous awards and nominations, including:
- Nomination for Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards
- Nomination for Best Original Song at the Critics' Choice Awards
- Nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards
- Nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammy Awards
Cover Versions and Remixes
The song's popularity led to numerous cover versions and remixes, further expanding its reach and impact. Kesha released a cover version of "This Is Me." Several remixes were also released, including the Dave Audé Remix, the Alan Walker Relift, and an instrumental version. Maite Perroni & The Greatest Showman Ensemble released a Spanish version titled "Así Soy".
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