Bonnie McKee - Forever 21 (Official Video)

Bonnie McKee - Forever 21 (Official Video) by Bonnie McKee
Forever 21 is a tragedy disguised as a bright and sparkly bop. Written in the twilight of my drinking days, it was my satirical coping mechanism, and a cathartic outlet exploring my shame around being an alcoholic hot mess. I was grappling with the idea of abandoning my party girl identity, flirting with the notion that the party might finally be over, and reveling in my last sloppy hurrah.
I love writing and directing narrative driven videos, and I really enjoy the challenge of telling a story with no dialogue. I knew we needed to figure out how to portray an entire emotional arc with picture alone, so it was important that we found a setting with well known traditions and societal etiquette for my character to obliterate- and what better setting than a wedding? The high stakes, the classic faux pas, and the booze fueled emotional landmines that come with a big expensive once in a lifetime party was the perfect backdrop for a comedic domino effect of epic failures. We've all either witnessed or been the culprit of wedding disasters, and coincidentally, my co-director David Richardson (Bombastic, Jenny's Got A Boyfriend, Wasted Youth, Easy, Stars In Your Heart) got his start directing wedding videos in Hawaii, so we were both excited to throw a tacky 80's wedding and watch it unravel. David and I speak the same aesthetic and comedic language, and all of my favorite music videos have come to life with him.
I wanted to find a way to capture both the elation of a carefree bender and the wreckage that's left in it's wake, so casting a wedding party and guests who could match my freak was important. I basically invited all my friends to an 80's themed party with the promise of a free meal and a good time, and they did not disappoint. In fact, the cast of this video IS the magic! Molly Tarlov turned up the drama and embodied hysterical bridezilla to perfection, Corey Walls brought a lovable unexpected charm to our doofus groom, Eden Wilson's uppity maid of honor served razor sharp side eye with a blood curdling smile, Joshuah Arizmendi was the funniest feel good wing man, Barni Rothman was a delightfully wacky mother of the bride, my perfectly perturbed bridesmaids Lola Blanc and Rachel West politely through gritted teeth, the unhinged groomsman, Kayan Palmer, L.J. Kapas, and Job Piston had me in absolute stitches, the wedding band, Bonavega, Sad Alex, Sara Keden, and Andy Harry, who are all incredible artists in real life and, turns out, can also act, and even the rest of the wedding guests, most of whom are talented musicians and not actors by trade, hammed it up and delivered creative improvisation that absolutely elevated this video and made a shoestring production feel like a real life movie! All of these beautiful faces and hilarious performances are incredible artists in their own right who generously lent their time and talent for a long day under hot lights, all for the price of a plate of Bucca De Beppo. Shout out to our stellar director of Photography, Gabe Kimpson and his incredible crew who lit us all to the gods and perfectly captured the mood, and a very special thanks to my co-producer Alex Schindler, and our skeleton crew of magical art department elves Hale May, Taylor Kahan, Spencer Moore, Vanessa Delosantos, and John Schmidt, who tirelessly turned an empty banquet hall into a tropical wedding set in a matter of hours. Thank you to Hollywood Womens Center for lending their beautiful space and accommodating our crew of misfits for the day!
I co-wrote this song with Kelly Sheehan (Hot City, Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, Rita Ora), Vaughn Oliver (Sleepwalker, Kim Petras, Katy Perry, Oliver) and Oliver Goldstein (Hot City, Foster The People, Chromeo, Oliver), and it was mixed and mastered by my favorite, Clint Gibbs, who is endlessly patient with me and always gets it right. Also special thanks to David Morup (Dave The Doctor) for making the perfectly cheesy wedding video theme song! I am so grateful to have such mind blowingly talent collaborators in my corner, and I thank my lucky stars every day that I get to create with my friends.
I love you all, thank you for your contributions!
xo Bonnie
Copyright (C) 2024 Bonnie Mckee.

[@mattmanley7118]

Incredible that she’s doing all this without a major label. She’s incredible I hope the industry wakes up soon! This album is just pure 2010s pop❤

[@sci-fi.tsunami]

The "industry" will be dead soon. I'm already making my own music with AI. Just wait until everybody else catches on in the next few years. It's gonna be the next big thing. And Hollywood is also screwed. We'll all be making our own movies soon.

[@Ram-yr3fp]

@@sci-fi.tsunami blah blah blah AI songs sound like shit

[@QuinnTheSuperStar]

@@sci-fi.tsunami 🙄 The industry will never be dead from that, because AI is a tool. It's not a real person. Only a few may succeed but it will never replace the industry as a whole.

[@avelione]

@@sci-fi.tsunami AI is using pieces of dead souls to create dead songs :3c

[@avelione]

I think she already won! and maybe just as well she's not tied up with some big label that could actually make her music worse :3c

[@portalantipt]

If this song was released in 2011, it will be playing in every radio across the world

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you! Well hey if you feel like requesting it on your local radio stations please do! 🤷🏼‍♀️ you never know!

[@portalantipt]

@@bonniemckeeofficial i will!

[@seangt]

this is a read lmao

[@portalantipt]

@@seangt hajah no shade, just being realistic

[@MayaLove777]

So true the song is very reminiscent of the 2010's and I love it!

[@melonpeach9723]

Y’all need to stream this video! She put in so much effort, let her know how much we love it!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you so much!

[@ledisavventuredellakitty]

@@bonniemckeeofficial I'm sharing it with almost everybody

[@theonlyexception54]

The visuals we have been getting from this album have been beyond anything I could have imagined! Bonnie deserves all of the great things coming her way! Talk about a mega talent! And doing all of this without a label?? She is a superstar and I hope she gets all the recognition she deserves! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you thank you so much!!

[@theonlyexception54]

@@bonniemckeeofficial i love you too!!!! Thank you so much for this music!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@moonlightd11]

This is the music video the world needed in 2024. Thank you so much for your grand comeback. I've been waiting for you since 2013.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Omg thank you for sticking with me all these years! 🎉❤

[@bryanariza1063]

Me too! Loving it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

Yayyy

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

THATS OUR ICON!!! WE LOVE YOU MOTHER BONNIE 💖 THE HOT CITY ERA HAS BEEN SO INCREDIBLE AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL YOU KEEP FEEDING US ❤ CAN’T WAIT FOR HOT CITY: DELUXE EDITION (coming 🔜)

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you thanks bb! 🎉

[@georgehuerta2606]

I remember being 16 and hearing Bonnie McKee's - Somebody. That song gave me so much hope and changed my life, I'm so happy to be alive and in my 30s listening to Bonnie's new music

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you thank you this means a lot! ❤

[@tumblrtrash]

my FAVORITE song on the record. if i could have asked for one music video it would have been this one. thank you mother mckee

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I’m so happy I got to make this for you!! 🎉

[@lofigirl97rawrxd3]

Pop Album of the summer. We have been waiting, now the queen has delivered.

[@vanessavanjie]

YUUUUUUUUP 💋

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I’m so incredibly happy it’s in your hands now! 🥰

[@lofigirl97rawrxd3]

@@bonniemckeeofficial oh my gosh! Your response has made my evening.👏🏻 🥰 I truly believe this album is everything we needed this summer. 🌴 ☀️ The fun, youthful, and nostalgic vibes are EVERYTHING. This album couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s a great escape from the crazy times we are living in. You’re a true artist. 🧑‍🎨 💕

[@dangerouseditss]

this embodies the 80’s so perfectly! Amazing work! ❤️

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you!! It’s my fav era!

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

Forever 21 is for the heart that knows how to be young at heart.

[@Irussanta]

Time to get this on a loop right now! LOVE!!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Yes plz keep streaming! 🥰

[@KatyPerry143]

We ❤ BONNIE

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you too!! ❤

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

We love Katy Perry 🩷💜🧡

[@Georgep241]

THESE VISUALS ARE EVERYTHING 🎊🔥❤️‍🔥🔥❤️‍🔥🎊

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Tysm! 🥰

[@thegoldsaturn]

As usual delivering the MOST, come through Bonnie 🤩🤩

[@vanessavanjie]

She deserves her flowers we have to keep streaming ✨

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@GlobalDrag]

We have been waiting for this music video for so long and it was so worth the wait 😍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

This makes me so happy thank you!!

[@Benleyy]

How is she so talented & gorgeous at the same time 🤯 a 100/10 in every category ‼️ and shes a healthy sober queen 👑 it shows !!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Awww thank you you’re so sweet! ❤🥰

[@iamkadusilva]

THE RIGHT CHOOSE, WE WILL HAVE FOREVER 21! 🥹❤️

[@GiaGunn.]

The best single & video so far this was such a camp and cute video it’s perfectly made for the era hot 🌆 now we wait for Everything But You 🤞

[@miguelangelhernandezdiaz7380]

I LOVE IT 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💜💜💜💜💜💜💜!!!!!!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I’m so glad!!

[@sxmpxp]

OH MY GOD BONNIE THIS IS ANOTHER LEVEL THIS IS A WHOLE MOVIE AMAZING SHOOTS AMAZING AESTHETIC YOURE THE POP STAR OF THE YEAR

[@GlobalDrag]

THATS WHY SHES A POP PRINCESS!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you I love you!! ❤

[@EddysOnline]

So campy and fun!! I love it 💘🩷💘⭐️💘

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you for participating Yaay!

[@Stevenspencer8210]

I’ll stay forever 21❤🤘💯

[@eomgfashun]

Forever Fashionable too 🛍️

[@ehouseofvillains]

That’s OUR Popstar ⭐️ another great video Bonnie, keep up the great work as always diva! 💜

[@GlobalDrag]

YESSSSSSS

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I am all yours! 🥰

[@TheEyeSeesAll]

Bonnie is pure passion. You can tell she loves this more than anything. Love her.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you and yes I do! 🥰

[@SalvoSongs]

so many amazing people in this vid. what a vibbeeeee. go Bonnie!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you! My cast definitely served!❤

[@emanuelpretocardoso9492]

This is a masterpiece. The song is exceptional and so is the music video.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

🥹🥹🥹🥹 thank youuu!!

[@Stevenspencer8210]

I absolutely love this music video really cool it’s like a 80,s wedding gone bad style absolutely amazing love it so much 💥🤘💯💯💯💯

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you so much! 🥰🩷

[@Stevenspencer8210]

@@bonniemckeeofficialu are absolutely beautiful 😍💯💯💯💯

[@jamieeagle3577]

Thank you Queen for this amazing era! You've been truly feeding us with these incredible visuals! So proud of you & thank you for sharing your truth & artistry with us! We appreciate you! Forever 21! On repeat! 👑🫶

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you guys tysm! 🥹🥹🙌🏻💖💖

[@typine]

Well my god. This is every single thing. I now love this woman and this should be on the radio. It sounds very 2011 but that soon will be back in!! She’s just ahead of her time.

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

ABSOLUTELY ❤

[@ryanscdesigns]

mind is BLOWN once again, you never let us down bonnie! 💕

[@heitorribeiro3271]

Love it!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank youuuu! ❤

[@Semper_Svbvra_]

Such an amazing song! Another first-class production and extraordinary performance by Bonnie!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you a million times! 🥰

[@ShealeighVoitl]

I love this song SO MUCH

[@guesswhoishere7156]

this is so awesome 😭💙

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank youu! ❤

[@aleejjj]

Pleas, electric heaven for the next single

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Keep streaming so I can find some funding for it! Love you guys! ❤❤❤

[@dashspears2241]

One of the best pop songs i ever heard in my life!, thank you Bonnie for this incredible music 💗💗💗

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Omg I love you thank you! 🎉❤

[@Britney_Xposed]

Absolutely Amazing👏👏🙌❤️❤️

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Tysm! 🥰

[@user-sy2qn1oh2x]

I love all your music, but this has to be my top. Such a good job.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank youuuu! 🎉🥰

[@user-sy2qn1oh2x]

@@bonniemckeeofficial Lauren is my mom’s friend. she lives with us. She send a video of me doing a dance. I forgot what app it is on but can you please look at it thank you

[@juegawomandownunder]

Fantástica

[@matteovecchio4556]

this is what happens when you are an ARTIST and u live for this every single day of your life. this is simply incredible bonnie, you are the best and deserve the world and more. greatest pop star in the game, they’ll know very soon. greetings from italy 🇮🇹

[@danielandthebusiness]

HOLY EFFING LORD. I didn't even know Bonnie had a new album, then I saw this... GAME OVER! First Kesha now Bonnie! Life is good yawl! ❤🎉 This is HEAVEN! SO THE VIBE! 😭🧘😂

[@RyanManhole]

Another Masterpiece 😂❤❤❤❤

[@GlobalDrag]

IM SO HAPPY FOR HER ❤

[@PLLonMax]

This is a masterpiece!

[@yurigabriel6095]

Te amo tanto finalmente voltando com varias músicas

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Hope you’re loving the album!! ❤❤❤

[@yurigabriel6095]

@@bonniemckeeofficial meu deus o Brazil ama você 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷❤

[@e.mo.tionsYT]

the shots of her being dragged out of the wedding are cinematic masterpieces

[@andyfagundes]

I love music, nostalgic, kisses from Brazil. 😘

[@ruijin3736]

This is brilliant. Instead of a generic party video, Bonnie served us with outstanding creativity once again. Truly, a genius artist the world is yet to discover. And including Eden XO in the video was a nice treat as well.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you! Yeah I needed an environment with higher stakes than an average house party!

[@EmmaMaezin]

Love that you got Sadie from Awkward! xx

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Molly’s one of my besties! 🥰

[@_shanejoseph]

Such a fun video! I'm in love. The part where the bride screams to your vocals 👌Amazing!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Hahahaha thank youuu!😅😅😅

[@josegabrieldiazperez8524]

Qué bella es Bonnie McKee y qué genial es su estética y música... La amoooo! How beautiful is Bonnie Mckee and how wonderful is her music and art desing... I love her a Lot ❤❤❤

[@jen204]

Bonnie McKee ... AND Lola Blanc, I love it.

[@GlobalDrag]

IM SO HAPPY THEY ARE STILL FRIENDS 😂❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

All your fav pop girlies in one place!

[@LettingGoTV]

This should be a massive hit on radio. Bonnie is a star. So much talent.

[@GiaGunn.]

Please Please Please make Everything But You a single and make a music video for it before you end the era 😭

[@eomgfashun]

Yes!!

[@QuinnTheSuperStar]

😍😍 Your music videos are always SO FUN!! I love that each one is a mini movie💖

[@GlobalDrag]

SHES SO CAMP ILHSM 😂❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you! I love entertaining yall! ❤

[@LindseyVianna]

The 80’s vibe that she makes is so perfect. I feel like it’s 2010.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you this makes me so happy! 🎉🥰

[@kamuigui]

We were so robbed in 2011. So glad bonnie is back. I hope this to be a video album, all songs deserve a music video to shut up her former label.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Haha thank you! ❤

[@sergiomoschella5762]

Man she works so hard on this content! We don’t deserve her!! She’s so good! Her music always makes me feel fun and forever young

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

WE LOVE HER SM KEEP STREAMING MOTHER ❤

[@Stevenspencer8210]

Absolutely love Bonnie mckee

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you toooo! ❤

[@Stevenspencer8210]

@@bonniemckeeofficialawww thank u 😊

[@ShotonVampire71]

Yas bonnie, welcome back!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank youuu!!

[@Chief]

Bonnie can seriously pass for 21 👏🌌🥂

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

You’re so kind 🥰

[@Fubwub]

THE QUEEN OF POP IS BACK, THIS IS EVERYTHING!!! ❤❤❤

[@GlobalDrag]

OH ABSOLUTELYYYYYY

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you darling!! ❤🥰

[@bradroyer2210]

Okay but how did you take us back to another era so damn well?!!!! Love you so much girl 💕💕💕

[@oceancat0450]

American Girl was an anthem to my 20s. Glad to see her making new music.

[@wagnernobrega5374]

This song is such a pop banger! It totally deserves to be a hit

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Keep streaming and we’ll get there together! ❤🥰

[@e.foster9137]

You are amazing Bonnie! Will always listen to your music no matter what

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you I love you!

[@sstrawberryangel]

album of the summer 💗🔥

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Yall are too sweet! 🥰 keep streaming and thank you so much! ❤

[@thundgidm7316]

My favorite on the album and it got the video it deserved! We are truly living the 2010s era we needed thanks to you Bonnie omg

[@carlosignaciovieraanguera8526]

This is pop perfection ❤❤❤❤ OMG The world needs to see/listen to this ❤❤❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Tell all your friends!! ❤

[@sarahfullager330]

The visuals, the sound, the bops! All while being independent ❤ absolutely love it

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

We out here! ❤

[@sarahfullager330]

@@bonniemckeeofficial To finally enjoy them finished and hot off the press is bless. Thank you for persevering and letting us have this ❤️🫶🏻

[@eu_o_andy]

this is my favorite video so far! the fact that this era is happening is so awesome

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you it’s one of my favs too! 🥰

[@dominicward1078]

LOL I LOVE IT!!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Hahaha thank you! 😅

[@Pop_Loop]

Thank you Bonnie, pop stars dont make music videos anymore, and you still investing and giving us these fabulous videos!! 🎉🎉

[@ImTheKillaMonster]

LOVE LOVE LOVE

[@jocangel]

Um hinoooooo com um clipe perfeito 😍 videografia da Bonnie é impecável. Mulher tu entrega demais ❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you 🥹🥰

[@markinhosbatista2895]

Merecia mais valorização e reconhecimento 😢

[@MarcinDiering]

3:07 aaaaa! 🤣 This is great

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

😂😂😂😂 we do all our own stunts! Haha

[@darkodabrat]

AND SHE DID IT AGAIN!! ICONIC!

[@GlobalDrag]

AS ALWAYS SHES AN ICON WHAT CAN SHE SAY 😂❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I love you tysm! 🎉🥰😭

[@y2klstr871]

Bonnie deserves sabrina carpenter chappell roan level coverage.

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Keep streaming, use the songs on your socials and we can get there together! ❤

[@lamisahkhan6338]

She will get there ✨ manifesting!!!

[@luhrvet]

album of the summer and the year without questions

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

without a doubt 😎🌃

[@mariuszbiaowas8837]

This is great forever 21🤩

[@BonnieMckeeHQ]

Mother is slaying! ⚔️

[@markinhosbatista2895]

Baita som maravilhosa ❤...Bonnie merecia mais valorização e reconhecimento🙏🙏🙏

[@Ablueforest7]

She's so underrated :( i hope she gets a lot of hype thanks to this album

[@michaelbeardsley3055]

i keep checking this every day and i am loving how many views its getting every day Bonnie!!! This video is climbing faster than any of your otherssss!!!!

[@florianmichel5831]

Love everything about it. This song is a bop. The video is so retro, funny and colorful 💥❤️‍🔥 love from Belgium 🫶

[@millatiainen8483]

I love how this style in video is like in barbie movie ❤ more music like this is needed nowdays ✨️✨️😁

[@thelawdylucks]

randomly got this song in my recommendation, can't believe how good it is, ima definitely keep streaming this, love the video and LOVE the song!! ❤

[@dannyoutub95]

Everything I've been craving from pop music is now materialized in this bop ❤❤❤ thank you Bonnie

[@STARSINGERSONGWRIGHTER]

This is the music video of the summer I swear love this!

[@SchnauzerPower17]

i love bonnie, i love this song, and i love this music video!

[@universalg1rl]

BONNIE THIS IS THE ONE I LOVE YOU YOU MASTERFUL ICON YOU MAKE ME SO PROUD TO BE A FAN EVERY TIME YOU DROP. YOURE THE BEST❤️❤️❤️💖💖💖

[@GlobalDrag]

MY FAVE VIDEO FROM HOT CITY SO FAR LIKE ITS PERFECT!!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Thank you for showing up for me! I do this all for you!! ❤🎉

[@AlyMayhem]

Bonnie youve always been a fun creative genius. 🎉

[@Stevenspencer8210]

This video is absolutely incredible 😊❤I absolutely love ❤️ it wow I wanna be there with ya partying hell yea 🎇🤘💯💯💯💯

[@jvagency]

We can't get enough of Bonnie ❤❤❤❤

[@andresrodriguez7614]

this music video encompassed a bad night out in your early 20s all while being a bop. and all of this while being an independent artist, doing an incredible album rollout with great singles. this song should be playing everywhere!

[@MattyGaga1]

Pure art, Bonnie don’t stop making music please ❤

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

I never will!

[@MattyGaga1]

@@bonniemckeeofficial omg Bonnie answered me ❤️🤍

[@adamsilvani]

GODDAMN THIS IS SO GOOD I NEVER EXPECTED SUCH A SERVE

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

Always expect a serve!!

[@christiancraven1662]

Thank you for all your hard work Bonnie! It doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated!

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

🥹🥹🥹😭😭😭🩷🙏🏻🙏🏻🥰🥰 tysm!🎉

[@CarolineJennaHarvar]

although it is not a new song but has waited a long time to see the light, this song is so currently significant for Bonnie's entire released album. So brilliant. It has multiple interpretations. it's as if she somehow predicted the future. no matter how long her songs wait. She's forever 21!!! Forever herself

[@andrewstephenselison278]

Bonnie McKee you are the 👑

[@bonniemckeeofficial]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@xthevenomouskissx]

I'm seriously impressed with how good this music video is. Bonnie always shines in the synthwave vibes, but the level of love and care that was clearly put into this is nothing short of astounding ❤

[@janolo]

I'm in love with this song