Holly Valance Blasts 'Brain Cell' Critics After Song's Brief Apple Music Removal
Former Neighbours star Holly Valance has launched a fiery defence after her provocative new single was temporarily pulled from Apple Music, sparking a major debate about censorship and artistic expression in the digital age. The track, titled Kiss Kiss (XX) My Arse, was released strategically on Australia Day to promote Pauline Hanson's new film, A Super Progressive Movie, and swiftly rocketed to the number one spot on the Apple Music iTunes best-selling songs chart.
Chart-Topping Track Sparks Immediate Controversy
The song's rapid ascent saw it overtake popular tracks by artists including Keli Holliday and global superstar Harry Styles. Its success was short-lived, however, as the platform removed it after it briefly surpassed Olivia Dean's Triple J Hottest 100-winning song, Man I Need. Following significant public backlash, the track was reinstated on Apple Music on Friday, but not before Valance had her say on the controversy.
Appearing on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, the 42-year-old singer and actress did not hold back. When host Kyle Sandilands asked if she was "personally devastated" by what he termed the "woke world" removing her work, Valance offered a pointed retort. "Yes and no because they've kind of helped you in the end and they don't realise that," she stated, before adding scathingly, "There's not enough brain cells between them. But it's helping me enormously so thank you very much."
A Broader Debate on Free Speech and 'Cancel Culture'
Valance framed the incident as part of a much larger cultural conversation. While acknowledging the controversy was minor in the "scheme of important things," she argued it highlighted critical issues surrounding free speech. "You've got to see the bigger picture," she advised listeners. "Just because this week might not be something you like the sound of, you want it cancelled, but wait till it does affect something that you really believe in and it's taken away from you."
She concluded with a principle she believes should be paramount: "I think if you're a real libertarian, free speech should be at the top of your priorities, even if it's with something you don't like."
Lyrics Take Aim at Progressive Politics
The song itself is a reworked version of Valance's 2002 hit Kiss Kiss, but with lyrics deliberately crafted to critique modern progressive politics. The track references trans issues, labels critics as "snowflakes," and mocks "cancel culture." Explicit lyrics include lines such as:
- "MWAH You will respect my pronouns / Not all ladies have ovaries, some have a penis"
- "They say that I'm a he but I'm a she / 'Cause I gotta V and not a D."
- "And I don't care what people say / I'll never be a him, a them or they / 'Cause I'm a real biological woman."
Another verse takes a satirical swipe: "Fave song – from the river to the sea / No job but I bleed LGBT… Q+, ya bigot / 'Cause I'm a real diabolical lefty."
Mixed Reception and Political Backing
Despite its chart-topping performance in downloads, the song's impact on streaming platforms was limited. It managed only around 50,000 streams on Spotify, failed to chart on Australia's major streaming services, and did not enter the country's official music rankings. It faced widespread criticism for being transphobic and attacking minority groups.
Nevertheless, the removal sparked outrage among some social media users. "Who gave Apple the go ahead to tell us what music we could download?" one Australian user demanded online, while another supporter declared, "I'm so buying it."
Pauline Hanson, the One Nation leader whose film the song promotes, reveled in the controversy upon its release. "Wouldn't the ABC have a heart attack knowing they had to play this track," she remarked. Her film, which depicts four "progressives" stranded in a "real-world" led by Hanson, has a polarising 4.8 rating on IMDb, with users typically rating it either 1/10 or 10/10.
The release coincides with a reported surge in support for Hanson's One Nation party, which polling suggests is now tied with the Coalition for the first time. Valance, now based in the UK, has in recent years become a vocal supporter of conservative causes and has publicly endorsed Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, marking a significant shift from her earlier pop career.
