Cher Lloyd Reveals Pressure to Pursue Justin Bieber for Fame

In a candid revelation on the We Need to Talk podcast, British pop star Cher Lloyd opened up about the immense pressure she faced from her team during her rise to fame in the 2010s. The singer, best known for her hit single “Want U Back,” shared an unsettling experience where her record label suggested she pursue a romantic relationship with Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber to boost her career.

Challenges in the Music Industry

During the podcast episode, Lloyd recounted a pivotal moment when she sought financial support from her record company to promote her debut album. To her dismay, her request was met with refusal, as the label claimed they had no budget for such endeavors.

Controversial Advice

“I was told … what I needed to do to make this record take off was hit some of the clubs and find out where [Justin] Bieber is and go try and get with him,” Lloyd revealed. This statement highlights the lengths to which some industry professionals may go to drive a young artist’s career, often prioritizing fame over personal integrity.

She further elaborated, saying, “I was told they weren’t gonna spend money on the album [and] to hook up with someone mega famous and leech off of the back of someone else’s fame.” This perspective left Lloyd questioning her worth as an artist.

Personal Reflections

At the time of this suggestion, Lloyd was in a relationship with the man who would later become her husband. She expressed her feelings of inadequacy, stating, “Was I not good enough? Was I not good enough to invest in that you would rather use me in that way? They didn’t care.” This candid confession reveals the vulnerability many young artists face when navigating the cutthroat music industry, especially when they are still in their teenage years.

Memories of One Direction

Aside from her struggles, Lloyd fondly reflected on her time on The X Factor and her friendship with the boy band One Direction. “I’ve never met such caring, lovely guys. And they were young, same as me, but they were all such good people. No ego. Decent people who loved to sing as much as I did,” she recalled.

Lloyd also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, stating, “He [sang] from his heart and it was a gift. Liam had a gift. And I just think I’ll always remember that about him. There was no one quite like him.”

Career Highlights

Cher Lloyd released her debut studio album, Sticks + Stones, in 2011, followed by her sophomore album, Sorry I’m Late, in 2014. She also achieved significant success with her collaboration “Really Don’t Care” alongside Demi Lovato in 2014, further solidifying her place in the pop music landscape.

Conclusion

Cher Lloyd’s revelations shed light on the pressures that many young artists endure in the pursuit of fame and success. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing artistic integrity over mere popularity. As she continues to navigate her career, fans can appreciate her honesty and resilience in an industry that can often feel unforgiving.

FAQs

What did Cher Lloyd reveal about Justin Bieber?

Cher Lloyd disclosed that her record label pressured her to pursue a romantic relationship with Justin Bieber to gain more fame and promote her album, suggesting that she “leech off” his popularity.

How did Cher Lloyd feel about the pressure from her team?

Lloyd felt inadequate and questioned her worth as an artist, expressing disappointment that her team did not consider her talent worthy of investment.

What are some of Cher Lloyd’s notable works?

Cher Lloyd released her debut album Sticks + Stones in 2011, followed by Sorry I’m Late in 2014, and collaborated with Demi Lovato on the hit single “Really Don’t Care.”

What did Cher Lloyd say about One Direction?

Lloyd spoke positively about her friendship with One Direction, noting that they were caring, humble, and passionate about music, and she paid tribute to the late Liam Payne for his heartfelt singing.