Louise Redknapp is set to perform her fourth gig at the Mighty Hoopla Festival today, a milestone for the decade-old event that celebrates queer-friendly nostalgia. In an interview three weeks before her return, Redknapp reflected on her career and a memorable compliment from Whitney Houston.
A Star-Struck Moment with Whitney Houston
Recalling the encounter, Redknapp said: 'Whitney Houston told me she loved my single Stay and she loved the band. I just went red, blotchy and couldn't swallow.' The moment came after Redknapp left the girl group Eternal, where she had six top 20 singles, to launch a successful solo career with 12 top 40 singles and three top 10 albums.
Comeback and Artistic Growth
Her 2019 comeback single Stretch and the album Heavy Love, which earned five-star reviews, proved she is more than a nostalgic act. Redknapp admits she was underestimated but understands why: 'I came through the pop channels and back in the day songwriting was the last thing anyone cared about.' Now, she values authenticity: 'I find it quite hard to sing songs that don't actually mean anything to me anymore.'
Celebrating 30 Years with a Tour
Redknapp is marking 30 years since her multi-platinum album Naked and her latest LP Confessions with a tour. 'I feel like I make the strongest music I've ever made,' she said. The tour aims to celebrate old hits while showcasing new material, inviting audiences to 'lose themselves for an hour and a half.'
Mighty Hoopla and LGBTQ+ Allyship
For her Mighty Hoopla set, Redknapp plans a performance-led show with dancers, thanking fans for years of support. She has been a staunch LGBTQ+ ally for 30 years, notably pulling out of an Eternal reunion after former bandmates made transphobic comments. She shared a photo of the LGBTQ+ flag with the caption 'Always and Forever'.
Reflecting on the community's struggles, she said: 'You can't think the job's done. It's about carrying on, waving a flag, sticking together.' She added: 'It's such a positive community to be part of that I feel sorry for anybody that isn't part of it.'
Personal Growth
Redknapp has learned to let go of fear and media scrutiny. 'I spent a life of being worried about not being caught at my best but now I'm okay with it,' she said, noting she no longer worries about being photographed without makeup.
Louise performs at London's Mighty Hoopla festival today. Tickets for her Naked
