Perrie Edwards marked a significant milestone in her solo career with a live performance at The Hundred Final, held at the iconic Lord’s Pavilion on Sunday. The former Little Mix star, aged 32, delivered a vibrant performance of her latest single, "If He Wanted To He Would," alongside a medley of her former band’s hits. The event was her first televised appearance performing the new track, where she captivated the audience not only with her vocal prowess but also with a stylish presence in a leggy white embroidered wrap dress, accessorised with Bohomoon necklaces.
Celebrations were doubly sweet for Edwards, who also commemorated the single's ascent to number one on the charts. Sharing an album of glamorous snaps on social media, she posed with her Big Top 40 trophy, expressing gratitude to her fans and the support from Capital FM. "My second Big Top 40 Number 1. This one feels very special. Thank you to everyone for downloading and thank you @capitalofficial," she posted. This achievement follows her earlier solo success with "Forget About Us," which also reached number one earlier in 2024. Edwards’ entry of "If He Wanted To He Would" was notable for its rapid climb from debuting at number 14, illustrating growing popularity.
Thematically, "If He Wanted To He Would" tackles the dynamics of toxic relationships from the perspective of a friend urging clarity and self-respect. Perrie explained to Rolling Stone that the song reflects the frustration of watching loved ones settle for less and herself having experienced similar situations multiple times. Speaking on The Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, she candidly shared, "When you’re in love or in a relationship you can’t see it... I was just like, I'm never ever going to let my friends go through what I went through." Her lyrics advocate for recognising red flags and not settling for minimal effort from partners, continuing a discourse consistent with themes of female empowerment and self-worth.
The music video, directed by Dora Paphides, adds a playful homage to classic romantic comedies such as "Mean Girls," "The Holiday," and "Pretty Woman," injecting humour and warmth into the empowering message of the track. Featuring Perrie alongside co-writer Nina Nesbitt, the video furthers the narrative of solidarity and empowerment that resonates throughout the song’s lyrics and composition.
Musically, the song blends a country-influenced pop sound with Perrie's strong vocal delivery, aligning it with anthems that celebrate female solidarity and independence. Critics have drawn parallels with inspirational tracks by Destiny’s Child and Little Mix, identifying it as a confident evolution of Edwards’ musical style post-Little Mix. The collaboration with Nina Nesbitt and The Nocturns is credited with producing forthright, conversational lyrics that amplify its message of self-assurance and growth.
The Hundred, now in its fifth year, combines top-tier men's and women’s cricket competitions and features live music performances curated in partnership with BBC Introducing, spotlighting emerging UK talent. This year, with over 2.5 million attendees since its 2021 inception, the tournament continues to blend sport with vibrant entertainment, underscored by Edwards’ headline performance concluding the 2025 event.
Edwards’ seamless transition into a solo artist realm, underscored by the chart success and cultural resonance of "If He Wanted To He Would," establishes her not just as a former member of a global girl group but as a solo performer forging a distinct and impactful musical identity.
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Source: Noah Wire Services