You remember "Dance Monkey," right? Of course you do. It was everywhere in 2019—blasting from car windows, looping in grocery stores, and eventually becoming the first song by a female artist to hit three billion streams on Spotify. But if you haven't checked in lately, you might think Toni Watson was a one-hit-wonder who faded into the background. Honestly? You couldn’t be more wrong. Tones and I 2024 has been a massive, record-breaking year that effectively killed the "one-hit-wonder" narrative for good.
She didn't just release a few singles and hope for the best. She completely re-engineered her career. From opening for P!NK on a massive stadium tour to dropping a sophomore album that went straight to number one, Watson spent the last twelve months proving she’s a permanent fixture in the global pop machine. It’s been a wild ride.
Beautifully Ordinary: The Album That Changed Everything
August 2, 2024. That was the day Beautifully Ordinary finally hit the shelves. If you were expecting "Dance Monkey 2.0," you were probably disappointed. This record is different. It’s eclectic, weird in all the right ways, and deeply personal. Tones actually co-produced the whole thing, which is a big deal in an industry where pop stars often just show up to sing over finished beats.
The tracklist is a monster—16 songs that jump from acoustic synth vibes to gospel-tinged anthems. Singles like "Dreaming" and "I Get High" set the stage early in the year. "Dreaming," which she co-wrote with Sam Nelson of X Ambassadors, feels like a departure. It’s got this airy, hopeful quality that contrasts with some of the darker, more vulnerable moments on the album.
She’s been vocal about the "undertone of loneliness" in these songs. It’s sort of heartbreaking when you think about it—the brightest songs often hide the saddest stories. Take "Dance With Me," for example. It sounds like a club hit, but it’s actually about the desperation of trying to reach someone who’s already checked out emotionally.
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The Tour That Sold Out Everything
Before the album even dropped, Tones was busy. She spent the early part of the year as the direct support for P!NK’s "Summer Carnival" tour. We’re talking 20 stadium shows. Nearly a million people saw her perform before she even started her own headline run. That’s a hell of a warm-up.
When she finally announced her own tour for Australia and New Zealand, the demand was nuts.
- Sydney? Sold out.
- Melbourne? Sold out (she ended up adding a Rod Laver Arena show).
- Auckland? Sold out.
- Brisbane? Sold out.
By the time she hit the stage at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on November 30, 2024, the atmosphere was electric. Imagine singing in the rain with the Opera House sails behind you. That’s exactly what happened. She brought out a full choir and a troupe of dancers that turned a pop concert into a full-blown theatrical production. It wasn't just about the music; it was about the spectacle.
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Breaking the Three Billion Barrier
In February 2024, the industry had to stop and stare. Tones and I became the first female artist in history to reach three billion streams on a single track on Spotify. Think about the names she beat to that milestone. Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish—none of them got there first.
It’s a polarizing stat because "Dance Monkey" is a polarizing song. People either love it or they’ve heard it so many times they want to throw their phone into a lake. But you can't argue with the math. Being the only woman in a top-ten list dominated by the likes of Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd says something about the sheer reach of her work.
A New Look and a New Vibe
If you saw her perform in Times Square for New Year’s Eve ringing in 2026, you probably noticed she looks different. She’s been open about a lifestyle overhaul. The baggy clothes and caps that defined her early career have shifted toward a more polished, "glamorous" aesthetic.
But don't let the leather coats and dark lipstick fool you. She’s still the girl who lived in a van for two years. She’s still the busker from Byron Bay. In her social media posts throughout 2024, she’s been incredibly raw about the "poison" of online hate. She basically told the world she’s done hiding. She spent five years feeling "lucky," but now she realizes she was just persistent.
What’s the Takeaway for 2025 and Beyond?
So, what does Tones and I 2024 actually teach us? It’s a masterclass in longevity.
Most artists who have a viral hit that big eventually disappear. They can't handle the pressure, or they can't replicate the magic. Tones didn't try to replicate the magic. She changed the trick. By leaning into her production skills and focusing on high-concept live shows, she’s built a fanbase that isn't just there for the TikTok chorus.
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If you’re an aspiring creator or just a fan, the lesson is pretty clear: stay integral. She lost friends, faced immense scrutiny over her body image, and dealt with the "one-hit" label for years. She just kept writing.
Next Steps for Tones Fans:
- Listen to Beautifully Ordinary from start to finish. Don't skip "John Doe" or "Wonderful"—they're arguably better than the radio singles.
- Check out the "Gone Gone Gone" collaboration with David Guetta and Teddy Swims; it shows a completely different side of her vocal range.
- If you can find footage of her 2024 Rod Laver Arena show, watch it for the choir arrangements alone.