A rhythmic lip-sync video set to Millie B's song M to the B propelled Bella Poarch to global internet prominence in August 2020. This singular viral moment on TikTok established her as a major social media presence, eventually leading the Filipino-American performer into a professional career within the music industry as a pop and dark-pop recording artist.
Early Life and Military Service
Born Belinda Marie Macadengdeng Batumbakal on February 9, 1997, in San Fabian, Philippines, she spent her early childhood years in local slums. She moved to the United States at age 13, eventually residing in Texas. In 2017, she enlisted in the United States Navy. Serving for three years as an aviation ordnanceman, she completed deployments in Hawaii and Japan.
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After creating a TikTok account in early 2020, Poarch focused on gaming and cosplay content. Her rapid rise in popularity led to interest from professional esports organizations such as 100 Thieves and FaZe Clan. By May 2021, she signed a recording contract with Warner Records, marking her transition from viral internet personality to professional vocalist.
Musical Evolution and Solo Work
Her debut single, Build a Bitch, peaked at 56 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the release of her 2022 EP Dolls, she explored dark pop themes through collaborations with artists like Grimes and Lauv. By 2026, she established her own label, M TO THE BEE, under a licensing deal with Last Gang Records, and released the studio album Picnic at the Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: February 9, 1997, San Fabian, Philippines
- Military service: United States Navy (2017–2020)
- Debut single: Build a Bitch (2021)
- EP release: Dolls (2022)
- Album: Picnic at the Cemetery (2026)
- Label: M TO THE BEE
- Citizenship: Philippines, United States
Questions readers ask
Did Bella Poarch serve in the military?
Yes, she enlisted in the United States Navy in 2017 and served for three years as an aviation ordnanceman.
What is the origin of her record label name?
Her label, M TO THE BEE, is a reference to the Millie B song M to the B, which featured in her 2020 viral TikTok video.
