Before the Key of Awesome, BarelyPolitical was known for its popular "Obama Girl" series. The first video of the series, "I've got a Crush...On Obama" went viral shortly after it was posted in June of 2007. It currently has over 20 million views. The vocals were provided by Leah Kauffman. When asked about this video, Obama stated, "It's just one more example of the fertile imagination of the Internet. More stuff like this will be popping up all the time."
The Key of Awesome series began on October 19th 2009 and is currently ongoing, updating on a weekly basis. The videos in the series consists of song parodies and a small number of original songs, all created for the sole purpose of comedy and entertainment. Their videos are mainly directed at an American audience, for the vast majority of their parodies are spoofing American singers/celebrities, and movies. The list of people they have parodied thus far contains pop singers like Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, Katy Perry, and so on.
The group is located in New York, New York. The music for the parodies is done by Jake Chudnow and Mark Douglas. Mark and Anastasia Douglas provide most of the vocals. Tom Small films and directs the videos. Some people who have appeared in the series are Todd Womack as Pitt Bull, Lauren Francesca as Lady Gaga, Andrea Feczko as Ke$ha, Amber Lee Ettinger (known mostly for her role as Obama Girl in an earlier barelypolitical series) as Jennifer Lopez, Kelli Mandruk as Katy Perry, Reginald L Barnes as Kanye, and Mark Douglas as Eminem, Batman, Bruno Mars, as well as various other roles.
The Key of Awesome Logo with Mark Douglas (right)
Top 3 Viewed Videos on BarelyPolitical’s Channel
TIK TOK KESHA Parody: Glitter Puke - Key of Awe$ome #13
85,616,760 views - 1 year ago
A parody of Ke$ha’s song, “Tik Tok.” In this video, instead of going out and partying, Ke$ha is stopped by her parents who want to talk to her about her behavior.
Andrea Feczko takes the role of Ke$ha, Mike Birch & Melinda play as her parents, and Jan Uczkowsk appears as her little brother. Vocals are provided by Anastasia Douglas, Jan Uczkowsk, Mike Birch, and Melinda.
Justin Bieber Parody "Sleep on You": Key Of Awesome #10
45,393,600 views - 1 year ago
A parody of multiple Justin Beiber songs with an original melody. In this video, Justin Beiber tries to “woo” a couple of older women, only to be unsuccessful in each of his attempts.
Justin Beiber is played by Jan Uczkowsk. Justin Beiber’s Dad is played by Mark Douglas. Vocals are provided by Anastasia and Mark Douglas.
Eminem - Love the Way You Lie ft Rihanna Parody: Key of Awesome #27
42,553,333 views - 1 year ago
A parody of Eminem’s song, “Love the Way You Lie” ft. Rihanna. The video is about the relationship between two elementary school kids.
Rihanna is played by Bobbi Jo Kitchen and Eminem is played by Mark Douglas. The kids in the video are Eva, Jordan, and David. The vocals are by Anastasia and Mark Douglas.
Top Rated KOA Parody Videos
PitBull - Give Me Everything PARODY! Key Of Awesome #43
6,179,192 views - 2 months ago
A parody of PitBull’s song, “Give Me Everything” ft. Ne-yo and Nayer.
In the video, PitBull is throwing a party, but no one shows up. Neo is trapped in an elevator for the majority of the video.
PitBull is played by Todd Womack, Ne-yo is played by Ras, and Nayer is played by Lauren Francesca. Mark Douglas plays many roles in the video, such a Waldo, Regis, Dave Mathews, Neo, etc. Vocals are provided by Todd Womack, and Mark and Anastasia Douglas.
Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger PARODY! Key of Awesome #46
838,681 views - 1 week ago
A parody of “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5. In the video, Mark tries to pull off the role of Maroon 5, only to be showed up by Todd, who also fails after a short attempt.
Lauren Francesca plays Christina Aguilera, Todd and Mark play as themselves trying to be Maroon 5. Vocals are provided by Anastasia and Mark Douglas, as well as Todd Womack and Tom Small.
Bruno Mars Grenade PARODY! Key of Awesome #35!
10,355,535 views - 7 months agoA parody of Bruno Mars’s song “Grenade.” In the video Bruno is trying to show his affection to his girlfriend in odd and crazy ways, but ends up leaving her when he finds that she just wants a normal relationship.
Vocals are provided by Mark and Anastasia Douglas. Bruno Mars is played by Mark. Bruno’s girlfriend is played by Elle.
