Former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock made a striking appearance in New York City this week, marking a major milestone in her solo career. The 34-year-old artist promoted her upcoming debut album from the iconic observation deck of the Empire State Building.
A Solo Ascent in the Big Apple
On Wednesday, Leigh-Anne Pinnock looked sensational as she launched the promotional campaign for her first independent solo record. The album, titled 'My Ego Told Me To', is scheduled for release on February 20. This follows her departure from Warner Records in January, a move she attributed to the label's insufficient budget for her new musical direction.
For her New York outing, the star opted for a chic grey mini coat dress, cinched with a chunky bronze belt. She completed the ensemble with sheer stockings and a pair of black woolly boots, appearing in high spirits against the city's famous skyline.
Balancing Motherhood, Music, and Marriage
In candid discussions surrounding the promotion, Pinnock opened up about the significant challenges of building a solo career while raising twins with her husband, footballer Andre Gray. The 34-year-old striker currently plays for Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük S.K.
'The process of going solo, then going independent, then doing all of that whilst being a mum – it's kind of wild,' she recently told a publication. 'But I feel like I've learned a lot. I've built up my resilience. And getting to this point now where I can release my album and it's exactly how I want it to be, it feels amazing.'
The couple, who exchanged vows in June 2023, have faced public trials in their relationship. Leigh-Anne confirmed their marriage was tested after Gray 'lost her trust' following his initial move to play for Saudi Arabian side Al Riyadh.
Overcoming Betrayal Through Forgiveness
Speaking on Paloma Faith's 'Mad Sad Bad' podcast, the singer detailed a period of heartbreak. 'I went through a bit of a weird time with my husband actually and I think that sort of not being totally honest and losing trust and that kind of betrayal,' she revealed.
She emphasised that recovery was only possible because her husband demonstrated a genuine desire to change. 'Well, I think that person has to want to change and he did,' Leigh-Anne stated. Gray sought therapy and, during his time playing abroad, reflected on his actions.
In a separate 2024 TikTok video, she elaborated on the power of forgiveness, confirming she remained with the person who broke her heart. 'I learnt the power of forgiveness. I'm still with the person who broke my heart and he went out of his way to change for me,' she said.
Leigh-Anne advised others in similar situations to maintain personal boundaries. 'It is OK to give somebody another chance but it isn't OK to let somebody take the piss out of you. Make sure you have those barriers up to protect yourself and to know when enough is enough.'
The singer concluded that the difficult journey was worthwhile, bringing the couple to a 'really beautiful place'. Her story intertwines the professional triumph of an independent album release with a deeply personal narrative of resilience and reconciliation.
