Emeli Sandé has detailed how she wanted to return to the spotlight as her ‘true self’, with the release of her new album.
The singer, 35, revealed that she felt her early success had been coloured by the feeling that she had not represented who she really was.
She pointed to the example of her then-signature hairstyle, and said that with cutting her hair she was embracing the real her.
The hitmaker also opened up about her new romance, after announcing last month that she is now in a same sex relationship after falling for a female pianist following her divorce from childhood sweetheart Adam.
Making a comeback: Emeli Sandé has detailed how she wanted to return to the spotlight as her ‘true self’, with the release of her new album
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of Loose Women, Emeli said it was important for her to take a break before returning to ‘discover who I am as a woman’.
She said: ‘There was a time when I thought do I really wanna enter the music industry again. But thankfully I did, and I had time to fall back in love with music, which was lovely. Having time to pause and really question why I do this’
‘Maybe a couple of years before January 2020, I really felt like I needed a bit of time to catch up with myself. With success its wonderful, but you’re also always working.
‘I really did start to feel a need to discover who I am as a woman. I got into this business as a girl, like 22, 23, and there was so much, like the hairstyle that I didn’t feel really represent who I really was.
Throwback: She pointed to the example of her then-signature hairstyle, and said that with cutting her hair she was embracing the real her (pictured 2012)
‘So I think cutting my hair, and having the guts to do that and when I decided to come back, I thought I want to come back as my true self, and maybe I’m not as popular as before, maybe people don’t like the change, but I need to really present who I am this time.’
The hitmaker also opened up about her new romance with Yoana Karemova, and how coming out had tied into her desire to be the real her and allowed her to ‘breathe’.
The relationship comes after Emeli confirmed her divorce from marine biologist Adam Gouraguine in 2014, who she dated for more than a decade before exchanging vows in 2012.
Taking time out: Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of Loose Women, Emeli said it was important for her to take a break before returning to ‘discover who I am as a woman’
She said: ‘You know, I wasn’t sure especially coming out and talking about my new relationship. I wasn’t sure how people would see that. But it definitely got to a point in my life where I felt I have to be me.
‘You know, I really have to be because it’s killing me not to be my real self. So now the reaction was so lovely.
‘My fans have just been so supportive and I just feel finally I can be myself and breathe.’
Gushing about her relationship, she said: ‘It’s such a physical reaction – falling in love, you just feel like you’re floating on a cloud. I remember a few months after knowing her, I just thought life is really nice, I feel really good and optimistic.
‘And I think since I met Yoana, I think your body tells you and life becomes just like a dream.’
Tribute: It comes after Emeli reportedly paid a gushing tribute to her new girlfriend Yoana on her new album
Emeli previously admitted she has ‘never had this depth of love’ before as with her ‘soulmate’ Yoana.
In an interview with the Guardian’s G2, Emeli said she feels ‘divided’ over her freedom to love who she wants and says she hopes to give others the ‘strength to do the same’, but admits she probably needs to ‘get a bit more clued up’ first.
She told of her romance: ‘I guess people made more of a story about it because I fell in love with a woman. But for me, being in love at this level, that’s the story. I’ve definitely never felt this depth of love’.
She went on to add that she feels ‘divided’ as she knows many people may not be in the position to be as open with their sexuality as she is.
Emeli explained of her feelings: ‘I definitely hope that I can help someone else feel the strength to do the same. But I probably need to get a bit more clued up.’
The Next To Me songstress went on to say: ‘All can do is answer on how I feel. I can exhale. I love music.
‘And you know, I love that there’s an album coming out – but I finally know that, beyond that, I can find happiness.’
It comes after Emeli reportedly paid a gushing tribute to her new girlfriend Yoana on her new album.
The album, which was released on Friday, features an array of heartfelt love songs – which could be an ode to her classic pianist partner.
Smitten: The album, which was released on Friday, features an array of heartfelt love songs – which could be an ode to her classic pianist partner.
According to The Sun, the album’s most poignant track, My Pleasure, features gushing lyrics from Emeli about Yoana.
On the track, she sings: ‘You’re the only one my heart beats for, never been in love like this before.
‘You know you’re the one that I adore,’ the lyrics continue.
Emeli also reveals that the song also sees her refer to Yoana as ‘my greatest treasure’ and touch on their solid relationship.
Official: The pair went public with the relationship at the beginning of April, with Emeli dubbing Yoana as her ‘soulmate’
Opening up: In her caption, she confessed her girlfriend had given her ‘the strength she needed’ and feels ‘like a huge weight has been lifted’ after opening up to her fans
She sings: ‘Where to start? Hand on heart, everything about you is a work of art.
‘Angel eyes, butterflies, every time I’m around you I’m in paradise. See you came into my life and turned my sky blue. If there’s any way at all that I could thank you, it would be my pleasure.’
Emeli revealed the relationship in sweet post to Instagram on April 2, confessing that her ‘soul mate’ had given her ‘the strength she needed’.
Posting a loved-up snap of the pair, the Next To Me singer wrote: ‘I’m so lucky to have found my soul mate Yoana, she’s such an extraordinary woman! Falling in love with her gave me the strength I needed!
‘Feels so good to be in love and I feel happier than ever. I’m deeply touched by all your messages of love and support. Thank you so much for your acceptance and kind wishes.
‘Feels like a huge weight has been lifted, here’s to a new beginning in truth and happiness,’ she concluded the caption.
Old times: Emeli confirmed her divorce from marine biologist Adam Gouraguine in 2014, who she dated for more than a decade before exchanging vows in 2012 (pictured in 2012)
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