Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the celebrated singer and former member of the global pop phenomenon Little Mix, has publicly declared an end to her 'Miss Nice Girl' image as she forges a powerful new path with her solo career.
From Group Member to Solo Powerhouse
The 34-year-old artist, now a mother of twin daughters with footballer husband Andre Gray, has expressed a strong desire to be recognised for more than her past. Leigh-Anne is determined to move beyond the labels of 'the mum' and the 'former Little Mix member' to establish her own unique identity in the music industry.
Speaking candidly on The Red Carpet Treatment podcast, she revealed her new mindset. "I feel like I am just ready to show a different side to everybody," Leigh-Anne stated. "I think what people know of me, like Leigh-Anne the mum, Leigh-Anne the nice girl. Like, I'm just no more Miss Nice Girl. I'm ready to just show this other side."
She reflected that being part of Little Mix, alongside Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, and Jade Thirlwall, made it challenging to express her individuality. The group's split was a necessary step for personal and artistic growth. "I think we all needed it to be able to express ourselves and be our individual selves," she admitted. "Being in a group for so long, it does come to a point where actually, yeah, you think, I need to know who I am now."
Taking Creative Control: A New Independent Path
Leigh-Anne's solo journey has not been without its challenges. After signing with Warner Music Group in 2022 and releasing her EP No Hard Feelings the following year, her progress stalled. The partnership reportedly ended after the label 'wouldn't pay for a music video' for one of her singles.
This setback, however, led to a empowering new chapter. Leigh-Anne has now taken full control of her career by going independent, later signing with Virgin. This move grants her the creative freedom she craves. "I've been in this industry for so long I think I've got all of that experience, and this is my album; this is my sound, this is my lane and I feel like I need to have complete control over that," she explained.
On her TikTok, she shared her relief and excitement about this change, stating, "I'm fully independent guys eek!... I feel like it needed to happen to be honest. You think I've been in this industry for how long now? What's the point doing it if I'm not doing it my way?"
The Forthcoming Album: 'My Ego Told Me To'
Fans have much to anticipate, as Leigh-Anne has already released several singles and her debut album, 'My Ego Told Me To', is scheduled for release in February 2026.
She describes the album as a deeply personal project that blends the sounds and genres that shaped her musical tastes growing up, all while retaining her pop roots. "For me, this album is all sounds and genres that have shaped me growing up," she said on the podcast. "I've taken all of that and put my, I guess, pop stamp on it as well... But for me, it's like I can finally experiment with these genres that I do love and have something that is literally mine and unique to me."
Emphasising the importance of authenticity, Leigh-Anne concluded, "This is all about being authentic, otherwise, what is the point? I can't wait for people to hear it." This new era marks a significant transformation for the artist as she confidently steps into her own spotlight.
