Liberty X star Michelle Heaton has drawn a stark contrast between her experience as a pop star in the early 2000s and the current generation of reality television hopefuls, branding many of today's aspirants as 'fame-hungry' and in pursuit of a 'quick buck'.
The 'Innocent' Era Before Social Media
In a candid new interview, the 46-year-old singer, who rose to fame in 2000 on the pioneering UK reality show Popstars, reflected on what she sees as a more naive time in entertainment. Heaton, who is married to Hugh Hanley and is mother to Faith, 13, and AJ, 11, explained that the absence of pervasive social media made her heyday feel fundamentally different.
'We had so much fun, we were around at the time of Atomic Kitten, Blue, Steps - we were one big happy family, and it just isn't like that anymore,' she said. The artist emphasised that not being under constant digital scrutiny allowed for a more carefree experience, free from the pressure of having every move watched and documented online.
A 'Different Kettle of Fish' in the Digital Age
Heaton did not hold back in her assessment of modern reality TV, stating the current landscape is a 'different kettle of fish'. 'I think the flipside nowadays with these TV shows, you can categorically say that it's fame-hungry people,' she confessed. 'Yes, sometimes you get very talented people out of these shows, but the majority of people are there to make a quick buck, and get famous.'
She also touched on the negative impact of paparazzi culture during her peak, which she said distorted her public image. 'I was no longer in a band to be a singer, I was in a band to create havoc. I was very quickly labelled that person. And deep down, that really hurt. Fundamentally, I wanted to sing and be appreciated for my voice and my talents,' Heaton revealed.
New Tour and Lucky Escape from Band Trauma
Looking to the future, the singer is channelling the spirit of the era she holds dear with 'The Ultimate Girl Band Tour' in 2026. The stage show will feature a setlist of feel-good hits from groups like the Sugababes and Atomic Kitten, complete with dance routines and what she describes as 'plenty of snazzy outfits'.
Reflecting on the recent BBC documentary Girlbands Forever, which highlighted painful experiences within some noughties groups, Heaton considers Liberty X – formed with Jessica Taylor, Kelli Young, Tony Lundon and Kevin Simm – to have been 'one of the lucky ones'. While acknowledging the usual record label politics, she stressed the band avoided the 'hidden battles' and 'unresolved trauma' faced by some of their peers.
Now enjoying good health and with her children older, Michelle Heaton feels the time is right for this new venture, hoping to attract fans of her generation and their families for what she promises will be 'one big party'.
