Perrie Edwards is currently engaged in a lively discussion about an emoji with wide eyes, commonly associated with surprise, as she attempts to make sense of the group’s WhatsApp chat name with her former Little Mix bandmates. The chat continues to thrive as a space for candid conversations, with Edwards noting, “People around us get it and we have amazing teams, but we get it in a way that nobody else understands,” reports BritPanorama.
Nearly four years have passed since the group announced their hiatus in December 2021, signifying the end of an era for the renowned girl group. The remaining members, Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, have since embarked on solo careers following their farewell tour. Now, Edwards is releasing her debut solo album, titled Perrie, which she describes as a deeply personal and positive expression of her experiences. She is navigating both her music career and family life with fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and their four-year-old son, Axel, while expecting another child. She acknowledges the daunting task of balancing a new album release and pregnancy, quipping, “Yeah, I seem to love a challenge.”
Meeting Edwards reveals a captivating contrast. Her striking outfit and glamorous appearance suggest stardom, yet her down-to-earth demeanor and friendly conversation create a sense of familiarity, akin to speaking with a friend. At 32, she reflects on her journey from winning The X Factor with Little Mix at 18 to achieving pop royalty status.
The path to success, however, is not universal for every pop artist. Many fail to survive the tumultuous environment of talent shows and the pressures of being part of a band. When asked about Little Mix’s longevity, Edwards highlights their strong interpersonal connections: “Because of our relationship with each other. We all wanted the same thing. We just put our shit to the side.” She expresses frustration at media narratives suggesting discord among band members, questioning their accuracy.
In the aftermath of Jesy Nelson’s departure from the group, speculation surrounding “feuds” and disagreements intensified. Despite being advised not to dwell on the past, Edwards remains unfazed by inquiries regarding Nelson. When prompted about the group’s decision to part ways, she recalls a shared understanding of their situation among the members: “I think it was just happening.” She emphasizes a collective sentiment, indicating that they all recognized the changing dynamics.
Nelson’s exit was influenced by the extensive online harassment she faced from the beginning of their career, a reality that took a toll on all members. Edwards acknowledges the mental resilience required to withstand such scrutiny and reflects on the harshness of platforms like Twitter, noting, “It’s a negative, trolling, horrible place.”
As they navigated challenges, Edwards credits the band’s bond as a source of strength. “The sisterhood and how much fun we had was what I take away from it. The outside noise was horrendous… we adored each other and we had so much fun,” she recalls, acknowledging the contrasting experiences faced by other bands.
Under the mentorship of Tulisa Contostavlos during The X Factor, Edwards believes they had an advantage over many contestants who fell victim to industry pressures. Edwards describes the intense environment: “It was the most stressful experience of my life… we were very overworked.” She recalls being grateful for Tulisa’s support, which helped shield them from unwanted objectification and undue pressure to conform.
Despite the challenges of fame, Edwards also faced personal struggles, including a public breakup with Zayn Malik. She later experienced the loss of a pregnancy at 24 weeks, a painful event she candidly discussed in a podcast this year. While balancing her responsibilities during the Confetti tour, she managed to keep the news of her pregnancy private, acknowledging the strain it brought amid the chaos of performances.
Reflecting on her time in the band, Edwards describes the emotional intensity of touring and the sense of accountability she felt towards her bandmates. As she stepped into a solo career, her first performance drew large crowds, igniting a passion within her. “I just came off thinking, ‘I want to do it again’,” she states confidently.
Edwards believes she has found a harmonious balance between her roles as a mother, fiancée, and pop star. “I feel happy and content with both roles,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of meaningful engagements and the necessity to prioritize family alongside her career ambitions.
Her solo album releases around the same time as Thirlwall’s debut, which brings with it comparisons she finds tiresome. “It drives me nuts,” she admits. Determined to carve her own path, Edwards took charge of the album’s direction, moving away from external expectations to create an authentic reflection of herself. Her music spans various themes, including empowerment and personal reflection, showcasing her evolution as an artist.
Perrie is out now
