Keke Palmer Opened Up About The Viral Usher Concert Incident In Her New Book: "I Wanted To Be Clear"

Keke Palmer knows how to make a statement. Her piercing energy, grounded yet magnetic, is nothing short of captivating. When she steps onto set — just a touch late for our mid-October “Playing with Puppies” interview, dressed in a tan leather button-up dress and knee-high boots — the atmosphere instantly shifts. Keke’s larger-than-life presence fills the room, her easy charm reminding us that she’s been a natural on camera for more than half her life. 

From her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee to becoming the first Black Cinderella on Broadway, Keke has consistently redefined what it means to be a multi-hyphenate. Now, with her new book Master of Me hitting shelves, we’re offered a glimpse into her world and her thoughts on ambition, resilience, and how she continues to reinvent herself. 

In our warm but candid conversation, Keke opens up about everything — including her iconic roles, favorite fashion looks, and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Keep reading to step behind the curtain with the one and only Keke Palmer — you’ll be glad you did.

Editor's note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

What has been your greatest career risk and reward?

My greatest career risk was going into influencing and becoming a content creator on a digital platform. A lot of people really judge that. Around the time that I started doing it, it seemed like something that was only for certain people or people who couldn't go the traditional route. They didn't act like it was an asset, but I just saw it as an opportunity for creative freedom, and it changed my career. It opened up doors that I never would have had. 

Directors, producers, and writers saw the content I was creating on socials, and they never would have gotten a chance to see if I was just going the traditional route. Because traditionally, people didn't see that for me. And so, yeah, that's been the greatest thing. That's why, still to this day, I'm saying, "You're never too big for any space. You're never too big."