Natasha Bedingfield: I felt my music wasn't wanted in England

Natasha Bedingfield, a well-known singer, has made a remarkable comeback to the UK music charts after being away for 17 years. She is particularly famous for her song 'Unwritten,' which has become a favorite among many listeners. Natasha, a white woman in her 40s with a striking bleached blonde bob, often performs in a white strappy top and high-rise black trousers. When she sings, she holds the microphone confidently and closes her eyes, fully immersed in the music. Natasha once shared a meaningful quote: 'Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten. ' This saying has resonated with her fans and has become a sort of motto for them. After her return to the charts this year, Natasha expressed her surprise at the enduring popularity of 'Unwritten. ' She mentioned, 'I didn't even know Unwritten would be the song that would have the staying power. ' She acknowledged that there were other songs that seemed cooler, but 'Unwritten' has a unique message about letting go of your fears and embracing life. The song, which was part of her debut album released nearly 20 years ago, peaked at number six in the UK charts. Recently, it has enjoyed a resurgence, spending 20 weeks in the Top 40 since January, largely due to its inclusion in the 2023 movie 'Anyone But You' and the influence of TikTok. Natasha noted that almost 700,000 videos have been created using 'Unwritten' as the soundtrack, showcasing everything from get-ready-with-me videos to proposals. She remarked, 'We worry about technology but sometimes there's some good things that come from it. ' Natasha appreciates how social media connects people and allows artists to engage directly with their fans. Although she has been living in New York and feels more recognized in the US, she still considers England her home. She felt as though her music was not being appreciated in her home country anymore. However, she was pleasantly surprised when Lewis Capaldi invited her to open for him at the O2 in London in 2022. Natasha recalled, 'Everyone was singing along to every word of every song,' which made her feel welcomed. The power of social media has breathed new life into older tracks, as seen with other songs like Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 'Murder On The Dancefloor,' which gained popularity through TikTok trends. Natasha recently collaborated with TikTok to perform for Team GB athletes in Paris, and the performance was shared on the app. TikTok has partnered with Team GB, and Natasha's performance reached fans worldwide. The platform reported that over a million users engaged with the Olympics hashtag, a significant increase compared to previous events. Natasha expressed her excitement about performing for the athletes, knowing how impactful music can be on their performances. She shared that she often receives messages from athletes who say that songs like 'Unwritten' and 'Pocket Full of Sunshine' help them focus and prepare for their competitions. Natasha met Team GB canoeist Kimberley Woods, who told her that she listened to 'Unwritten' before winning a bronze medal. Natasha found this incredibly cool and emphasized the importance of music in helping people center themselves. She believes that maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for success, stating, 'Being a winner is actually very psychological.