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Ashlee Keating is a pop force to be reckoned with. With splashes of color, pouty lips, lots of fun attitude, and bold style, she shines bright on whatever stage or screen she’s on. If you remember Ashlee from her Disney days, you’ll be proud of the confident, talented powerhouse she’s grown into. With singles like “Too Toxic”, “Thirsty”, and “Saucy”, Ashlee continues to carve a vibe all her own with upbeat songs perfect for getting any party started.

Her most recent single, “Sleigh All Day”, is a feel-good holiday jam perfect for lighting up any Christmas party. It’s the third holiday track she’s released, following last year’s “Nice and Naughty” and her version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”. Move over Mariah—there’s a new Holiday Pop Princess in town!

StarShine recently spoke with Ashlee about “Sleigh All Day”, her Britney Spears nod in “Too Toxic”, and her loyal fans.

What sparked the idea for your new holiday song “Sleigh All Day”?

I’m really random when it comes to writing music. I say “slay all day” all the time—it’s just my thing. It started in 2023 as a joke. More recently, I was in a meeting where we were joking about “slay” as in sleigh ride, and it got me thinking, “Oh my God, that could be a thing.” Then I was invited to perform at Kathy Hilton’s Christmas in September at the Abbey, and while I was there, I was like [sings] “oh, sleigh all day, da, da, da,” and everyone was like, yes! That’s how it happens for me.

I didn’t want it to be a traditional Christmas song. I knew exactly what I wanted—very upbeat pop with synths. As I was recording and writing it, I realized it was kind of a self-empowerment, self-love Christmas song. I just wanted something fun everyone could dance to during the holidays and feel happy.

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Would you ever consider doing an entire holiday album?

Yeah, that’ll definitely happen someday soon. I don’t know when, but it will. For some reason, people like my Christmas music, and it’s nothing I ever planned—it just happens. I had my “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” remake, then “In the Air,” which was similar to “Sleigh All Day,” very upbeat pop. I wrote that one myself. Then I did “Nice and Naughty” last year, and now this one, so it’s becoming a thing. Even this year, I had no plans of doing a Christmas song, and here I am.

Favorite Holiday Memory: “I performed in the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, and it was amazing. Since I’m a Jersey girl from South Jersey, it felt really special because Philly is so close. Being there with family and friends and then watching it back on TV with them really got me into the spirit. From a Christmas perspective, my best memories are going skiing with my family and just enjoying the holiday spirit—watching Christmas movies around the fireplace and spending time together. I’m very simple. Those are the memories I cherish every year.”– Ashlee Keating

You’ve been in the industry since you were a kid. How would you say your career and your fans have evolved with you from then until now?

I try not to think too hard about it because I evolve quickly. In a week or two, I can become something completely different. That’s part of the creative process—you could be out with friends or at a party, and that’s how I come up with songs, just living life. I’m already ahead of what I’m releasing right now.

The hardest part is being so far ahead creatively, but it’s beautiful to watch myself evolve. It’s not something that you plan; it happens organically. You just move with who you are becoming and not be afraid if people like it or not. They’re going to love it or hate it. I’m excited about my growth as an artist.

My fans make me cry. Even if I’m having a bad day and someone sends me a video lip-syncing to my song, I’m like, “Oh, I love them.” As much as they love me, I love them. That’s why I do this—to watch them grow with me. My Keaters and Team Ashlee—new fans, old fans—I still have fans from my Radio Disney days. It’s beautiful to see my growth and theirs, and how my music has helped them. I try not to overthink it. I’m taking it day by day, living my best life, because life is short.

Earlier this year, you released “Too Toxic.” What inspired the Britney homage?

It wasn’t planned. Britney is an icon and a legend—there will never be another Britney Spears. If I ever dreamed of re-doing a song, “Toxic” is the one. I never thought it would happen. I’m so grateful to have “Too Toxic” out right now.

Long story short, I was in a writing camp for another artist. Someone pulled me into a session to write and demo for some rap artists. They liked my energy, and we started working together. They played me the beat and said, “I think you’re going to like this.” I was like, “Oh my God, I’m going to faint.” The beat was insane. They asked if I wanted to do something with it, and I already knew exactly what I was going to do. We got in the studio. We had one version, threw it out, rewrote it, and kept a similar concept. I wanted to flip the narrative of “Toxic” into a female-empowerment version. Women go through toxic relationships, myself included—I have a song called “Hurt Me So Good” in that vein. It was time to flip the script: I’m the toxic one, and you’re not going to treat me that way. You’ll keep coming back to me type of situation.

The fact that I’m here now with it out living in the world is literally crazy. I hope Britney sees the video or hears the song someday. Even the concept of my video has elements I feel she’d relate to. I just hope she loves it.

You’ve also acted. Do you see yourself returning to film or TV, or is music the focus?

For sure. I’ve been getting this question a lot lately, so I feel like something is weirdly brewing somewhere. When the right projects and opportunities come, I’m very open. You’ll definitely see me in more acting projects soon. I love both; it’s just about balancing everything.

Anything else we should look out for?

“Sleigh All Day” is out now and I’m really excited about that. I’m planning a lot for next year—can’t really talk about it yet—but there will be great things happening through the end of this year too. All I can say is, I’m very excited for next year.

What message do you have for your fans and future fans?

To my current fans: thank you so much for rocking with me, especially the ones from day one. You mean the world to me. I wouldn’t be here without my Keaters and Team Ashlee.

To the new fans: hi, I’m Ashlee Keating. I hope I’m your new favorite pop girly. Get ready to dance and live your best life through my music. I hope my messages inspire you to be your truest self and do you.

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