Kristina Roberts
The world was introduced to Cher Lloyd in 2010 when, at just 16 years old, she stepped onto the X Factor stage and delivered a powerful rendition of Keri Hilson’s “Turn My Swag On.” Her performance left a lasting impression, propelling her to a fourth-place finish on the show. This early success led to a contract with Simon Cowell’s record label, where she released her debut single, Swagger Jagger, which became a chart-topping hit, along with two studio albums.
Now, after years of ups and downs, Cher is making a comeback with new music. Speaking about her journey and her upcoming single Head Down, she shares how her experiences shaped her career and life.
Reflecting on the X Factor Experience
Looking back on her time on the X Factor, Cher recalls the whirlwind of emotions she experienced. “It was such a huge reality TV show, and the whole thing was like a rollercoaster,” she says. However, her initial expectations didn’t align with reality. “I thought it would just be about singing and performing, but 80 to 90% of it was focused on the reality TV aspect.”
Cher’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. She was often criticized in the media, which painted her as a “diva” and created an image she struggled to shake off. “It really makes me sad because I didn’t want to be seen that way,” she explains. “I was there because I loved to sing, but that message got lost.”
The negative press took a toll on her. “I didn’t know how to cope with it,” she admits. “That’s why I made some bad decisions during that time.”
Finding Support in Difficult Times
Amid the challenges, Cher found support in some unexpected places. One of her strongest allies was Liam Payne, who she described as “level-headed” and nurturing. “He had this unmatched passion for performing and always looked out for everyone,” she shares.
Liam’s passing deeply affected Cher, who remembers him as a remarkable talent and a kind soul. “The talent he had was unbelievable, and I don’t think I’ve ever spoken about it like this before,” she says.
Life Beyond Music
Today, Cher’s life has taken on new dimensions. As a mother, she feels grounded and focused on what truly matters. “Being a decent person and treating others well is the most important thing,” she says. Balancing her personal life with her music career, however, hasn’t been easy.
Cher hopes the music industry becomes more supportive of working parents. “I still feel like I’m expected to do it all,” she says. “It’s a vicious cycle, and I’m trying to find a balance.”
Revisiting the Past: Swagger Jagger
While Cher’s music has evolved over the years, there’s one song she can’t escape—Swagger Jagger. Her debut single became a cultural moment, but for a long time, she distanced herself from it. “As an artist, I’ve moved on from that,” she admits.
However, a viral video featuring two young girls singing the song in their bedroom, only to be hilariously interrupted by their mother, has given the track new life. “Every time I see that video, I can’t stop laughing,” Cher says. “The fact that my name is attached to it is just gold.”
Performing Swagger Jagger at a festival last year also changed her perspective. Seeing the crowd’s enthusiastic response reminded her of the joy the song brings to her fans. “I know I’ve grown artistically, but that song is a huge part of my story,” she says. “I have to embrace it.”
Moving Forward with New Music
Cher is determined to show the world that she’s more than her past hits. Her upcoming single, Head Down, marks a new chapter in her career. She describes the song as deeply personal, a way to express feelings she’s kept bottled up. “I needed to get a lot off my chest, and this track allowed me to do that,” she explains.
Making music again has been a transformative experience for Cher. “It makes me feel worth it again,” she says. “When you’ve been in a bad place, finding something that brings you joy can be life-changing.”
