Perrie reveals the heartwarming moment which is the 'best thing' she's ever experienced
It wasn't touring and winning awards with Little Mix
Last updated 16th Apr 2024
The incredible Perrie joined The Up with Harriet & Henrie on KISS FM UK, where she chatted about being a mum to her adorable son Axel, working with RAYE and Ed Sheeran, and what she's learnt over the last two years.
The singer, who released her debut solo song 'Forget About Us' on 12th April, opened up to Harriet and Henrie, telling the duo the heartwarming moment she realised being a mum was the "best thing that I've ever experienced".
Perrie on being a mum to Axel
Perrie welcomed baby Axel back in 2021, with her fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and has been keeping her fans updated over the years with super cute pics and videos of their little boy.
So, when asked what are her biggest learns from the last two years, it wasn't winning awards with Little Mix, or touring the world, it was something much more relatable. "Ohh gosh I mean, this sounds really mushy, gushy, but I have to say," Perrie explained.
"Obviously being in a girl band you live the life of luxury. You have the best time ever. We laughed, we had the best time, we travelled the world, we won awards and it just felt incredible.
"And then I became a mum and I was like. This is what I was born to do. Like this is the best thing that I've ever experienced in my entire life, which is why I wanted to take time after the the tour that we did."
Reminiscing about the baby stage, Perrie said: "And there were babies on that tour and they had their 'little big' headphones on, like noise cancellation things, and I just kept looking and thinking what is life like? It's bizarre.
"So then after that I took some time out to just be a mum and just do nothing but spend time with him and be in the moment and live that bubble."
However, a few years later, Perrie reminded herself that she also loves to sing, and explained: "I obviously reminded myself that singing is my absolute life. Like I love singing.
"It's what makes me feel like me other than being a mum, if that makes sense. So then I got in the studio, started working on all my stuff, and then that was it. And now here I am."
Perrie has been recording her debut solo album, which has yet to be named, in her home studio, and Weymouth (where she grew up).
Songwriting with Ed Sheeran and RAYE
Her album features tracks which were co-written by Ed Sheeran and RAYE, and Perrie spoke about working with such iconic songwriters and singers.
"I was listening more to the lyrics and the concept of the vibe of the song, and I just rang him (Ed Sheeran) and I was like, look, love the song, but lyrically it's not where I'm at in my life right now and I don't feel comfortable with the concept being this.
"And I was like, nod to it, absolutely, because that's super relatable to everybody. Nobody wants to be forgotten about, so that is the part that I loved. But then at the same time I wasn't like, EdI'm gonna change one word on the verse, and then you're gonna give me a cut, cause that gives me the ick."
She continued: "I hate it when people do that. I'm like this is your song you wrote it and I appreciate that, but lyrically I would love to be able to tweak bits to just make it more where I'm at in my life now.
“I think I'm about to get married, I've got a 2 year old, I've never been happier in my life, but at the same time, you look back on friendships, relationships, everybody."
When is The Up with Harriet & Henrie on KISS FM UK?
You can catch Harriet & Henrie and their fabulous guests on KISS FM UK Monday to Wednesday from 9pm.
Take a look through Perrie's career from Little Mix to her solo release:
Pre-2011: Before The X Factor
Before Perrie won The X Factor alongside Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson as Little Mix, she lived in the Whiteleas area of South Shields, Tyne and Wear, not far from fellow bandmate Jade Thirlwall. Despite living near each other the pair never met before being on the show.
2011: Perrie Edwards wins The X Factor as part of Little Mix
Performing as part of Little Mix on The X Factor in 2011, Perrie was thrown into the lime light alongside Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and former member Jesy Nelson, when the girls became the first group to win the talent show.
As part of Little Mix Perrie then released six albums, all of which have reached the Top 5 in the UK. Perrie has also co-written a number of songs that the girls have released, including Number 1 singles 'Wings', and 'Shout Out to My Ex'.
2013: Little Mix release ’Salute’
Little Mix release their second studio album, 'Salute', which was mostly co-written by the group as they wanted to be more involved. 'Salute' reached Number 4 in the UK and was certified Platinum.
2015: Little Mix get their second UK Number 1
Little Mix released the lead single from their third studio album 'Get Weird'. 'Black Magic' became the girl's second Number 1 song in the UK and was also nominated for two BRIT Awards the following year.
2017: Perrie and Alex went Instagram official
Rumours started in 2016 that Perrie and footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were dating. Then, the couple went Instagram official in January 2017, when Perrie uploaded this cute photo of Alex with their dogs at the dinner table, which was later deleted. It wasn't until February that Perrie then posted a photo of the couple kissing, with the caption, 'Him'.
2017: Little Mix won their first BRIT Award
'Shout Out to My Ex', a song co-written by Perrie won the girls their first BRIT Award in 2017. The girls took to the stage to thank their fans and the inspiration for the song with Jade saying: "Thanks lads!".
2019: Perrie released Perrie For Superga
Perrie launched a collection with Superga, speaking about it she said: "I'm really excited to be working with Superga on their new product range. It's a brand I've loved and worn for a while now, as I love the style and fit of their shoes. They're really cute and so versatile, I love them!"
2019: Little Mix appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox
Perrie along with her band mates appeared on an episode of Celebrity Googlebox. The girls sat down to watch Naked Attraction and raised a few eyebrows!
2020: Perrie became the first female ambassador for Supreme Nutrition
Supreme Nutrition and Perrie started to work together in 2020, when Perrie was announced as the first female ambassador. Supreme Nutrition sells a variety of protein, energy and wellness formulas, alongside fitness clothing, shakers and bottles.
Perrie's work with the brand followed her boyfriend Alex becoming an ambassador in May 2019.
2020: Perrie passes her driving test
Perrie's first post of 2020 was to announce that she had passed her driving test. The singer shared photos of herself with her certificate and test car, writing 'First post of 2020❗️ Beep beep huns 🚘 About time I ticked this one off the list! 😅 Coming soon to a road near you! Skkkrrrt!'
2021: Perrie announces her pregnancy and welcomes Axel
In May 2021 Perrie and boyfriend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain announced they were expecting their first baby. Sharing two photos to Instagram, the singer wrote: 'So happy to be on this wild journey with my soulmate. Me + Him = You 🌎♥️ We can't wait to meet you baby Ox!' (sic)
Then, in August 2021, Perrie announced the arrival of her baby, later announcing his name to be Axel, an anagram of his dad's first name.
2021: Perrie launches her solo project Disora
Back in December 2020 Perrie started to tease her new project. Then in October 2021, Perrie announced her first solo project Disora, a luxury fashion range. Over the following weeks, the brand and singer have revealed more details, including photos of hoodies and sweatshirts. Disora is now available online, and will ship globally.
2022: Little Mix begin their hiatus
On Saturday 14th May, Perrie joined her Little Mix girls as they performed their final show ('for now'), marking the beginning of the band's hiatus. The emotional show took place at London's O2, and was available for fans around the world to live stream. The teary concert saw Little Mix perform tracks like 'Between Us', 'No More Sad Songs' and 'Secret Love Song'.
2022: Perrie announces her engagement
After almost six years of dating, Perrie announced in June 2022 that her boyfriend Alex had proposed during a luxury holiday!
2022: Perrie launches Disora Move - The Seamless Collection
In July 2022, Perrie launched her own gym-wear collection, in the form of Disora Move - The Seamless Collection. The range includes various pieces such as gym leggings, shorts, sports bras and zip-up tops.
2023: Perrie opens up about debut solo music
In March 2023, Perrie opened up about her solo music, which she said does not have a "set timeline", telling Grazia: "My label Columbia Records have told me to just go with the flow and enjoy discovering what my sound is going to be. The fact there's no deadline in my life just makes me the happiest person. I feel so lucky to just be having fun."
Then in October 2023, Perrie shared some photos from her home recording studio saying she's been 'cooking'.
2024: Perrie releases her debut song 'Forget About Us'
After years of teases about her debut solo music, in February 2024, Perrie started to share a number of promo shots, as well as a video which featured vocals from her solo material!
The song, called 'Forget About Us' was released on 12th April, and has been co-written by Ed Sheeran.
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