Former X Factor judge Tulisa has provided a deeply personal update to her followers, revealing the emotional turmoil surrounding her close friend's breast cancer diagnosis alongside her own significant lifestyle changes. The 37-year-old singer took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to her friend Michelle McKenna, whom she described as her "soul mate" and a "warrior" for her positive attitude throughout her health battle.
Heartfelt Tribute to a Close Friend
Tulisa posted a photograph of Michelle McKenna with an emotional caption detailing how 2025 had been a year of substantial emotional and personal growth. She praised Michelle's remarkable bravery and inspiring ability to maintain laughter and positive energy despite her breast cancer diagnosis. Tulisa emphasized that surgery had progressed well so far, expressing immense gratitude for her friend's strength.
"You are not just my sister. You are my soul mate," Tulisa wrote in her Instagram tribute. "I don't know where I would be in this world without you. I love you sis. You ain't going NOWHERE!" She used the opportunity to encourage her followers to prioritize their health, specifically urging women to check their breasts regularly.
Personal Milestones and Self-Care Focus
Alongside supporting her friend, Tulisa celebrated her own achievements, marking six weeks without cigarettes and one month completely nicotine-free. She acknowledged using a zero-nicotine vape temporarily to manage withdrawal symptoms while expressing gratitude to Allen Carr's Easyway for their personalized support session.
The singer confessed that the initial weeks of quitting smoking were emotionally challenging. "I cried like a baby the first few weeks," she admitted, but explained she had given herself grace while maintaining focus on exercise and self-care practices. Tulisa reported feeling stronger with each passing day as she continues her smoke-free journey.
Intense Ayahuasca Retreat Experience
Tulisa also detailed her recent seven-day ayahuasca retreat in Peru, describing it as an "intense" spiritual journey that involved three separate ceremonies with the psychedelic brew. She emphasized that the experience was conducted under medical supervision with doctors and shamans present at the Etnikas Ayahuasca Retreats facility.
During the ceremonies, Tulisa experienced profound emotional release, spending hours crying as she connected with passed loved ones and explored concepts of higher consciousness. "The main message I received was the ability to see my own light & purpose," she explained, describing the process as "super emosh" and spiritually laborious.
Transformation and Renewed Perspective
The singer revealed she had requested the "death of my ego" during the retreat, only to discover that her ego had served as protective armor against deep-seated fears of being misunderstood. Following the intense experience, which included six hours of purging during the third ceremony, Tulisa emerged with renewed self-assurance.
"I feel more balanced, grounded, calm, self assured & powerful," she declared, describing herself as "Tula 2.0" while noting she remains cigarette-free. Tulisa cautioned that the ayahuasca experience isn't for the faint-hearted but recommended it for those genuinely prepared for personal growth, criticizing those who view the sacred plant medicine merely as a recreational drug.
Throughout her update, Tulisa consistently connected her friend's cancer battle with her own health journey, creating a narrative about the importance of emotional support, personal resilience, and proactive self-care during challenging life circumstances.
