LOS ANGELES -- Katy Perry roared out of nowhere to help the ladies of TLC successfully and swiftly reach their $150,000 goal on Kickstarter to fund a farewell album.
In mere days since announcing the campaign, TLC has soared past the crowdfunding goal thanks to 2,000 donors, including "Roar" singer Katy Perry.
The Super Bowl halftime show headliner supported the campaign with a $5,000 pledge. Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins quickly thanked Perry with emoji-filled tweets. As of Friday, the campaign has raised $212,000 with 26 days remaining.
Wow @katyperry...thanks so much for pledging! — Chilli (@officialchilli) January 21, 2015
A BIG Special THANK YOU 2 @katyperry for her pledge to our #Kickstarter Campaign! ❤️❤️ Your awesome!— Tionne T-Boz Watkins (@TheRealTBOZ) January 21, 2015
Despite critics saying Kickstarter was a weird place for one of the best-selling girl groups ever to acquire funds, money flew in from hardcore fans and fellow celebrities.
"We have received support from longtime listeners that attended our first concerts, plus new fans who have only just started listening," TLC wrote on Facebook. "We were also so humbled by the outpour of support from other artists like Katy Perry, New Kids on the Block, Dev Hynes, Russell Simmons, Soulja Boy, Bette Midler and more."
TLC explained the funds would be used to hire quality producers, writers and talent.
"We want to work with the best in the business, so the more we raise means access to the best. We want the best of the best. We cannot wait to make our last album together with our fans," TLC wrote.
I get off the plane 2 find out not only did we reach our goal but we're the fastest MOST FUNDED POP PROJECT IN #KICKSTARTER HISTORY! Thx — Tionne T-Boz Watkins (@TheRealTBOZ) January 22, 2015
We are officially the most successful pop project of all time on @kickstarter in 72hrs!!! #TLCFANS #thelove— Chilli (@officialchilli) January 22, 2015
BONUS: 20 songs turning 20 in 2015