Google honours Adéla's viral hit with ‘can't always be in LA' tribute

Google has paid a special tribute to Slovak singer Adéla, adding her viral lyric “can’t always be in L.A., someone gotta hold it down here” as a featured message at the top of search results for her name.

This update, shown as highlighted text in search results for Adéla, acknowledges the artist whose hit "Ain't In L.A." inspired millions across the globe to question the idea that success means moving to one of the biggest cultural centres. The song has been adopted as the anthem of those who came from smaller towns and cities, initiating a global social media campaign where people can express their love for their native places.

Adéla, who became famous after participating in "The Debut: Dream Academy" – the survival show which created K-pop band KATSEYE – created "Ain't In L.A." as a statement of defiance and a claim that talent can be found outside of big entertainment centres. 

The lyrics, "The baddest b*tches aren't in L.A., someone gotta hold it down here" were included in thousands of TikTok and Instagram reels of people proud of their origin from Patna to Bratislava.

Born in Slovakia, Adéla’s journey mirrors her song’s core message. She came from a humble background. Her grandfather reportedly brought Madonna posters across borders for her mother. After she couldn’t make it to the final lineup of KATSEYE, she channelled her experience into music that refuses to conflate location with worth.