There’s something truly mesmerizing about watching Hailey Welch, the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” navigate her newfound fame. She’s gone from an anonymous factory worker to a viral internet sensation, all thanks to one hilariously unexpected phrase that has made its way into the meme hall of fame. Now, with her career in full swing, Welch has graced various media platforms, turning what could’ve been a fleeting viral moment into an ongoing saga. So, let’s take a look at the top 5 most memorable media appearances from our beloved Hawk Tuah Girl.
1. The Original TikTok That Started It All
It all began with a casual street interview during Nashville’s CMA Fest. Welch, just out with her friend Chelsea Bradford, was hit with a random, cheeky question: “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” Without missing a beat, Welch delivered her now-legendary response: “You gotta give him that hawk tuah and spit on that thang!”
This video, posted by the YouTube channel Tim & Dee TV, spread like wildfire, with TikTok quickly picking up the scent. The original clip was watched and shared so many times that it’s hard to track its full reach, but estimates suggest over 100 million combined views across platforms (Peoplemag). Welch herself didn’t expect the virality; in fact, she revealed in later interviews that she thought the moment would fade into oblivion. How wrong she was.
2. “Plan Bri Uncut” Podcast Appearance
Welch’s next big media splash was on the “Plan Bri Uncut” podcast with Brianna LaPaglia (a.k.a. Brianna Chickenfry). This appearance is where she finally spoke out about the viral whirlwind surrounding her. For anyone hoping Welch was secretly an elementary school teacher, sorry to burst your bubble—she worked at a spring factory. As she pointed out herself, “I’m not even old enough to be a teacher” (VT).
What made this podcast appearance stand out was Welch’s down-to-earth, unfiltered style. She talked about her surprise at the fame, how her family found the entire situation hilarious, and debunked all the wild rumors swirling around her. This appearance made one thing clear: Welch wasn’t just a one-hit wonder—she had the personality to carry her fame forward.
3. Zach Bryan Concert Cameo
Talk about a wild ride. After gaining internet fame, Welch found herself onstage with country singer Zach Bryan at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. During his encore performance of “Revival”, Bryan brought Welch onstage to share her viral catchphrase with the crowd (Peoplemag).
Who would have thought that one night out in Nashville could lead to performing in front of thousands of fans at a concert? Welch, in her signature fashion, played it cool—delivering the line with the same boldness that made her a viral star in the first place. It was a surreal moment that showed just how far her fame had taken her in such a short time.
4. Merchandising Madness
If you’ve somehow missed it, Welch has turned her viral fame into serious cash. Within weeks of her video taking off, Welch was selling Hawk Tuah merch like a seasoned entrepreneur. According to Rolling Stone, she’s made over $65,000 in sales (Peoplemag), and the internet can’t seem to get enough of it.
While this isn’t technically a “media appearance,” the fact that Welch turned a random viral moment into a full-on business venture deserves its own spot on the list. She’s managed to keep the momentum going with t-shirts, hats, and various other merchandise, proving that she’s more than just a viral face—she’s a smart, savvy viral businesswoman.
5. Her Interview with “The Hollywood Reporter”
As if appearing on podcasts and at concerts wasn’t enough, Welch landed an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where she dropped some big hints about her future. Not content with just riding the viral wave, Welch is setting her sights on reality TV and more media opportunities (The Direct).
She’s already signed with talent management firm The Penthouse and is eyeing Los Angeles for potential projects. This interview showed the world that Welch isn’t just resting on her meme fame—she’s here to build a career. The best part? She’s doing it with the same unapologetic, offbeat style that made her famous in the first place.
The Rise of a Meme Queen
The journey of Hailey Welch from a spontaneous street interview to viral stardom and beyond is a masterclass in how to take a meme and run with it. Whether she’s dropping by a podcast, performing at a country concert, or selling her signature catchphrase on a hoodie, Welch knows how to stay relevant and play to her strengths.
So, what’s next for the Hawk Tuah Girl? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: wherever there’s a camera, Welch is ready to give it that hawk tuah energy the internet craves. Keep your eyes peeled, because the meme queen isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
