May 2, 2022, 1:00 AM ETInterview

Jessie J: I Quit Music, Deleted An Album, Then Changed My Mind | E139

The Diary Of A CEOJessie J, Stephen Bartlett

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Jessie J (Jessica Cornish) discusses the convergence of significant personal losses in 2024, including the death of her security guard, Dave, her close friend and mentor Jamal Edwards, and the recent miscarriage of her baby.
She describes the miscarriage as occurring just one day before a scheduled acoustic show, leading to a period where she felt she had no one to "fall apart on" and initially chose to perform to maintain the "Jessie J" brand rather than process the grief.
The singer reveals that she has recently let go of her sixth manager after 15 years, citing a lack of shared passion, a disconnect in their vision for the career, and an inability of her previous team to "get" her as an artist.
She expresses a desire to build a new internal team that reflects her values of inclusivity, passion, and risk-taking, explicitly stating she needs people who "live for the moments" rather than just managing logistics.
Jessie J confirms she is currently developing a one-woman show combining comedy, storytelling (therapy), and singing, a project she attributes to the encouragement of the late Jamal Edwards.
She identifies her upcoming focus as making music that is "authentically" hers, moving away from the external pressure to fit a specific pop persona or commercial box.
The artist details her history of severe health struggles, including WPW syndrome, a stroke at age 17 while working at Hamleys, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, which she feels have "kept her feet on the ground."
She recounts a pivotal 2015–2016 period where fame became overwhelming, describing a state of "trapped" anxiety where she felt watched 24/7, leading to self-imposed isolation and a temporary loss of identity.
Jessie J explains that she spent four years writing her album Rose in a "quiet" period after her previous albums (Who You Are, Sweet Talker), a time when she felt emotionally exhausted and detached from the music industry's demands.
She discusses the specific impact of losing Dave, her security guard of nine years, describing him as a "big brother" who provided safety and humor, and admits she wishes she could have "protected him from himself" as he protected her.
The singer notes that her empathy for others' pain is a core part of her identity, stemming from childhood experiences witnessing a young boy praying in a hospital ward and her own struggles with chronic illness.
She states that she has not listened to the recently completed Rose album again, feeling the music "ain't it" anymore, and has returned to the studio to rework or start over based on her current emotional alignment.
Jessie J mentions that she is no longer on medication for her heart or uterine conditions, attributing her current stability to a plant-based diet, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches.
She highlights that the pandemic was a "worst and most beautiful" time, forcing her to stop "falsifying" happiness and confront the reality that her music needed to reflect genuine human experience rather than performative positivity.
The artist describes the grief process as having a "silver lining," noting that while the loss is painful, it has clarified her priorities and reinforced the need for a supportive, aligned team.
She references a specific advice given by a therapist: to gain perspective by imagining the world from above, getting outside, and being honest with loved ones about fear rather than accepting the "greatness" of fame from others.
Jessie J notes that her father, a mental health social worker, taught her to balance deep sadness with humor, a coping mechanism she now uses to help audiences feel safe enough to process their own intense emotions.
She reveals that she once wrote an autobiography at age 12 but deleted a section on love and relationships because she realized that public exposure allowed "opinions and poison to seep in" that could damage her personal life.
The singer states she is currently trying to "give herself" the safety, self-belief, and emotional support that she previously received from Dave, Jamal, and her family.
She mentions that she is preparing her body to try for pregnancy again in the coming years, viewing the experience of carrying the baby (even briefly) as a spiritual and grounding event.
Jessie J emphasizes that she wants to act on her instincts immediately, contrasting her past tendency to wait for external validation or permission to pursue creative risks.
She describes the toxic nature of modern fame, where paparazzi film people hiding in bushes, and how this forced her to relearn basic daily tasks like putting petrol in a car or locking a hotel door.
The artist mentions that her record label has been supportive of her decision to pause the Rose album release and start fresh, though she acknowledges they did not provide the "biggest support" commercially for the album's initial launch.
She reflects that her health issues have historically acted as a protective "spell," preventing her from overexerting herself and ensuring she didn't "fuck up" her life by ignoring her physical limits.
Jessie J shares that she is now "clear" that she needs people around her who want to do what she wants to do, rejecting the idea that she must operate solely as an independent "lone wolf."
She states that the "energy" created by her family during childhood, such as camping in the garden and her father pretending to be a bear, was more impactful than financial stability or specific events.
The singer notes that she has stopped trying to prove she is "nice" to the press, once acknowledging she briefly became the "diva" the tabloids said she was because she was tired of justifying her humanity.
She describes the emotional toll of the miscarriage as grieving the "life imagined," comparing the cancellation of the pregnancy to cancelling a highly anticipated holiday with all the associated preparation and excitement.
Jessie J indicates that she is no longer afraid to be vulnerable, citing that the first step in healing through grief is talking about feelings and allowing the pain to exist without a "quote at the end of my moment."
She asserts that the only path forward is to trust her gut and act on it, even if it means failing at being herself rather than succeeding at being someone else.
The artist mentions that she is currently acting on her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned," prioritizing her personal life and family with the same nurturing attention as her professional output.
She acknowledges that while she is a "product of her environment," she now actively seeks to protect young artists from the same pressures she faced regarding identity and public perception.
Jessie J states that her purpose is to hand over "feelings" that others cannot find themselves, specifically regarding infertility, loss, and mental health, using her platform to create space for shared grief.
She reveals that she is no longer intimidated by the perception of other artists, instead focusing on her own insecurities and the need to feel "safe" in social and professional rooms.
The singer confirms that she has "succeeded 100%" at being someone else (the pop star persona) but now wants to succeed at being her authentic self, even if it risks commercial failure.
She notes that the pressure to be "ready" for the Rose album was lifted when she realized she had to "nurture the roots" and take time to process her grief and identity before creating new work.
Jessie J mentions that she is grateful for the experience of being pregnant, even with the loss, as it allowed her to "love herself deeper" and acknowledge her body's capabilities.
She states that the "silver lining" in her grief is the knowledge that she will not face future challenges alone, having learned the importance of building a supportive circle.
The artist emphasizes that men need to talk more about their feelings, contrasting the open emotional dialogue she had with Dave and Jamal with the broader societal expectation for men to be stoic.
She mentions that she is currently working on "letting people in" to the "real" her, noting that while she is a "hostess" and caregiver, she is increasingly guarded about who sees her vulnerabilities.
Jessie J reveals that she has "five people" who truly know her mind at work, including her parents and childhood best friends, whom she trusts to challenge her.
She notes that the experience of losing her grandparents in quick succession, combined with a public breakup, contributed to a period where she felt she "couldn't breathe" and was "hovering above everybody."
The singer describes her relationship with the press as a constant "ride" between not caring and wanting to protect her private life, eventually deciding to control the narrative herself by posting on her own terms.
She states that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves acting, comedy, and creating a show that merges these elements with her singing, a vision she credits to Jamal Edwards.
Jessie J mentions that she is "beyond grateful" for the peace and happiness she has found after years of turmoil, a state she previously couldn't fathom for herself.
She emphasizes that the "healing" process involves talking about feelings, which she is now doing openly, and that this transparency is the first step to "actioning change" in her life and career.
The artist notes that she is "not afraid" to be vulnerable, contrasting her current openness with her past tendency to hide her emotions behind the "Jessie J" brand.
She states that the "biggest thing" she learned from her losses is that she must "find in herself" the safety and self-belief that she once received from others.
Jessie J mentions that she is "acting" right now on her instincts to create the music she loves, rather than waiting for the industry to tell her what is "good."
She notes that the "energy" she creates with her family and close friends is what matters most, rather than the specifics of her wealth or fame.
The singer describes her childhood in hospital as a "blessing" that kept her "present in myself" and prevented her from defining herself by her illnesses.
She states that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves a team that represents her values, reflecting the diversity and inclusion she wants in her music and life.
Jessie J mentions that she is "clear" that she needs to "act on" her instincts, not just trust them, to achieve the emotional alignment she seeks.
She notes that the "healing" process is ongoing, with moments of intense sadness and grief still present, but balanced by excitement for the future.
The artist states that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life as much nurturing as my career," a shift in priority from her earlier years.
She mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that speaks to her as much as it speaks to others.
Jessie J notes that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just thinking about them.
She states that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people around me" and that she "can't do it alone."
The singer mentions that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "acting" on her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The artist notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
Jessie J mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
The singer states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
Jessie J notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "healing" process involves "acting" on her instincts, not just "trusting" them.
The artist mentions that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create a career that is "emotionally aligned."
She notes that the "healing" process is "ongoing," with "moments of intense sadness" but also "excitement."
Jessie J states that she is "clear" that she wants to "act on" her instincts to create music that "speaks to me."
She mentions that the "biggest thing" she learned is that she "needs people" who "want to do what I want."
The singer notes that she is "clear" that her next chapter involves "giving my personal life" as much "nurturing" as her career.
She states that the "he