Willa Ford Makes Musical Comeback After Health Scare
Willa Ford, the pop sensation who rose to fame alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson and Mandy Moore during the early 2000s, has revealed a dramatic health crisis that prompted her return to music after years away from the industry. The former chart-topper, now 45, stepped back from her successful interior design career and acting roles to create her first album since her 2001 debut Willa Was Here.
Health Crisis Sparks Creative Revival
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Ford disclosed that she began experiencing psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in December 2023. These episodes, triggered by psychological stress rather than neurological abnormalities according to the Cleveland Clinic, left her unable to drive or work during attacks. The seizures became a turning point that forced Ford to reevaluate her life and artistic direction.
'The seizures are what made me decide I wasn't done living,' Ford told the publication. The former Dancing with the Stars contestant discovered through therapy that her seizures were connected to a past trauma experienced during her early music career, leading her to turn to songwriting as a therapeutic outlet.
Trauma and Healing Through Music
While Ford declined to provide specific details about the traumatic incident, she indicated that something unsavory occurred when she was 25 years old involving 'this person' who wasn't associated with her record label, labelmates, or producers. She described the experience as an 'out of this world story that doesn't even sound real.'
Rather than seeking revenge, Ford has focused on healing through her new album titled amanda, which contains subtle references to her past experiences. 'It's in the record, but I do think that we're starting to shine some light on people we all thought were heroes and maybe they're not,' she explained.
Managing Health While Creating Art
Ford continues to experience seizures approximately once monthly but has found relief through therapy and anti-anxiety medication. She also maintains a 'rescue med' for particularly difficult episodes. Despite these challenges, the singer has maintained her creative momentum, stating 'For me to just lay down and just give up in a way, that's not like me. It never was.'
The Florida native, who was previously featured as Scott Disick's interior design partner on E!'s Flip It Like Disick in 2019, has balanced her health journey with family life. She has been married to former NFL player Ryan Nece since April 2015, and the couple shares two children.
Dream Collaborations and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Ford expressed enthusiasm about potentially touring with her early 2000s contemporaries. 'It would be a dream to tour with Spears, Aguilera, Simpson and Moore now,' she said, envisioning mutual support between the artists. Her return to the stage in January marked a significant milestone in her recovery and artistic rebirth.
Ford's journey represents a powerful story of resilience, demonstrating how personal challenges can fuel creative expression and lead to unexpected professional reinvention after years away from the spotlight.
