Starting out on the first series of The Voice in 2012 before winning a Brit 10 years later, Becky Hill is now ready to take the next exciting step in her career to headline the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Final Show on the Pepsi Max stage.
In the midst of her six-week Ibiza Rocks residency, UK festival season, and travelling for international performances, life has never been busier for the music artist - not to mention her cameo performing in the Love Island villa.
Although her journey in The Voice ended at the semi-finals, she’s the only contestant from the show to have reached the UK number one spot, with five top 10 singles in total.
What’s more, in 2021 she was the third most played British female solo artist with an incredible 3.2 billion streams on Spotify, second to only Dua Lipa and Adele. It doesn’t get bigger than that.
Inspired by the likes of Robyn and the synth poppy dance music of the Noughties, she’s now a pioneer of the electronic music scene, having collaborated with the likes of David Guetta, Rudimental and Little Simz to name a few. In the next few weeks, she’s releasing a new track with Joel Corry which we’re sure will live up to the rep.
Now set to perform during the women’s final at Wembley on Sunday, July 31, she’s ready to celebrate female strength by bringing women’s football to the centre stage, where it belongs. We caught up with her to talk about the upcoming performance, her music inspirations, and her favourite things.
How are you feeling about performing at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Final Show on the Pepsi Max stage?
It’s going to be a really big moment for me, and for dance music, as well. Performing at such an amazing event that’s going to be watched worldwide is really significant so I’m very, very excited. There’s a lot of pressure, especially with England in the final - but I can’t wait!
Do you feel an affinity with the Lionesses, as strong women?
I think we all have this narrative around strong women. And I think we all forget that actually, women come in all sorts of strengths and sizes, and beauties. And actually, that should be celebrated as well. I think the Lionesses represent women from all different shapes, sizes and backgrounds. And I think that’s what I want to bring to my performance as well Is bringing women together on a Pepsi Max stage in Wembley Stadium.
What else have you been up to?
I’m currently mid-way through a six-show Ibiza residency which finishes at the end of August. I’ve just flown from Ibiza to Valencia to do Benicassim tonight, at 1am and then flying back to Ibiza, with a sprinkle of all the UK festivals as well. I’ve got a single coming out with Joel Corry in the next couple of weeks, so that’s really exciting. It’s a busy, busy time.
What are your home comforts when you’re travelling non-stop?
I try to keep my fiance by my side all the time. He’s my home comfort. For me, it’s more about people than about taking a cuddly toy or something. I have to be surrounded by good people. Otherwise, it never really works.
Do you have a favourite song or album of all time?
I love Elefunk by the Black Eyed Peas. I think that record is absolutely timeless, and I still listen to it today. I asked Will.I.Am about how that record was made with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Pharell and Jimmy Iovine, and it was fascinating.
What music artists have you been inspired by?
I love Robyn. For me, the songwriting and the kind of synth pop dance beats have been some of the best music that has happened in the Noughties, and even in the 10s and 20s.
What’s your career highlight?
Definitely winning the BRIT Award back in February. That has to be the biggest moment of my career and I feel super proud.
What are your three pieces of advice for budding artists who aspire to win a Brit?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Have faith in the process.
Do you have a go to off-duty look?
I try to keep it chic but very, very casual. Trainers are always a must.
What do you wear to travel?
Depends how hot the place I’m going to is. We actually lost our bags before the first Ibiza Rocks show. All seven of us, including my dancers and party of drag artists, lost all of our makeup and outfits. I’d made the mistake of wearing baggy jeans on the on the plane so I had to walk around in 35 degree heat desperately trying to find a new outfit. So yeah, I’ve learned my lesson now and tried to keep an array of different clothes in my hand luggage.
What did you end up finding to wear to perform in?
We all had to buy our own foundation, powder, and concealer, because we’re all different skin tones, and then we shared eyeshadow palettes. One of my dancers used to be a stylist and found The Dancing Leopard, where I managed to find an outfit. Thank God for my team; without them I’d have really struggled.
What’s your favourite look on stage?
I’m never too far away from a knee high boot. They make my ankles feel supported and everything else feels quite confident. I love strutting around in a pair of knee highs, it’s become a bit of a thing for me.
How do you kind of treat yourself in between performing?
Exercise is really important, which I’m never really able to do much of. I’m terrible in the gym on my own, so I always have to train with a personal trainer or go to a class so I can get some endorphins and hopefully feel the stress fall away with the sweat.
What’s your favourite exercise class?
When I’m back home, I always try to make a beeline for a Barry’s Bootcamp. It was actually Ella Eyre who used to go and she was like “Becky, you would be surprised that you can do this.” The trainers take you through short running bursts and rounds of HIT, and I’ve never been a running girl so it’s really helped my cardio health. Cardio is very much needed on stage now as I’ve got four dancers and a routine and I’m out of breath a lot of the time, so I need to be able to expand my lungs so I’m able to come back in with my vocals on point.
Do you have any hero beauty products that you kind of can’t live without?
West Barn Co are a great brand, and I love their Soap Brows. Add a bit of their prep mist and your eyebrows will stay all day.
