Viral food reviewer and community advocate Keith Lee has been named Creator of the Year at the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards, capping a meteoric rise that began with casual food reviews filmed from his daughter’s Paw Patrol chair.
The ceremony, hosted Thursday night at the Hollywood Palladium, celebrated a «New Era, New Icons» theme and featured fan-voted categories recognizing creators shaping digital culture. Lee, who has amassed more than 17 mln followers on TikTok, said he was overwhelmed by the honor, thanking supporters «from the bottom of my heart» and adding that he «never in a million years» expected to win.
Lee first gained traction by spotlighting small, family-owned restaurants, often driving real-world foot traffic and helping struggling businesses rebound. His authentic, low-frills style resonated widely, turning his platform into a force for economic uplift and community storytelling.
Other winners on the night included Paris Hilton (Muse of the Year) and Bretman Rock (Video of the Year), underscoring TikTok’s expanding influence across entertainment, education and commerce.
Looking ahead, Lee announced plans for the upcoming Familee Food Festival in New Orleans, continuing his mission to elevate small businesses and local food scenes—this time, from the awards stage rather than a child-sized chair.
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