After a 2 year break from releasing new music, X Factor winner Louisa Johnson blew fans away with a new body positive song – and an unexpected change in her career. The 22-year-old singer left Simon Cowell’s record Label in 2018, announcing via Twitter that the split was amicable, and that she would continue to work with Sony label Ministry of Sound. However, when her new single ‘Like I Love Me’ came out on 17th January 2020, Johnson said in an interview “I’m not with Sony, I’ve released this one independently”.
Fans don’t seem surprised, given that the artist hadn’t recorded any of her own music since 2018 song ‘Yes’, besides featuring on other artists’ tracks, such as One Bit, Sigma and Steve Void. Teasing the song and music video with the single cover photo and a clip of her modelling her new range of sportswear while the chorus of ‘Like I Love Me’ played in the background, her followers were excited to hear the full song.
View this post on InstagramSo much fun doing this w the people I love. check out my collection, link in bio!
Since its release, it has gained over 100,00 streams and views on Spotify and YouTube and, despite not reaching chart level, this song is more personal and of a higher quality than any of her previous work. This is likely due to Johnson’s new found sense of self; as she puts it. ‘Like I Love Me’ follows in the footsteps of many artists, from Madonna to Little Mix, with a message encouraging positive body image and self-love. Singing “Appreciate every mark, every scar, every imperfection” and the title taking from the lyric “Do you love me like I love me?”, Johnson inspires many with her relatability and message which carries over into the video.
— Louisa (@louisa) January 16, 2020
Johnson auditioned for the X Factor in 2015 at the age of only 17, receiving a standing ovation for her rendition of ‘Who’s Loving You’ by The Jackson 5. Her talent got her through to final, which she won, going on to sign with Syco Entertainment (Simon Cowell’s record label) and Ministry of Sound. She then went on to work with Clean Bandit and Olly Murs, while also writing four singles, including debut ‘Forever Young’ and hit collaboration with 2 Chainz ‘Yes’.
The artist’s recent work with USA Pro to create a new line of gym clothing was used to promote ‘Like I Love Me’. Currently her only plans for this year involve a show on 26th February 2020 at 100 Wardour Street, where she will perform a set of her original songs. Tickets are available on the venue’s website and on Ticketmaster.
