isn't it? [taylor swift]

chapter 32

Leia Hudson on Breaking Records, Handling Fame & Poor Choices, and Why Reputation Is Her Favourite Album of the Year

By Kylie Carson for Billboard
December 12, 2017

Leia Hudson is already a name that commands attention. Her debut album shattered records in 2016, becoming the fastest-selling album of the year. Her first headlining tour sold out in minutes, making her one of the hottest rising stars in pop music. But when I meet Leia at a cozy café in the West Village, she's far from the larger-than-life figure fans have come to know. Dressed casually in an oversized sweater and jeans, with her brunette hair tucked into a baseball cap, she greets me with a warm smile and a hug.

"It still feels surreal," she says as we settle in. "I used to dream about people even listening to my music, let alone selling out a tour or breaking records. Some days I wake up and think, 'Is this really my life?'"

On Learning To Handle Fame

Leia's rise to stardom has been meteoric, and with that success has come the inevitable challenges of fame. Navigating life in the spotlight is no easy feat, especially for someone so new to the industry.

"It's definitely been an adjustment," Leia admits, sipping on a peppermint chai latte - something she tells me is her sister's favourite at the moment. "I went from being able to walk down the street unnoticed to having paparazzi outside my apartment overnight. It's a lot."

Leia's journey hasn't been without its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to her personal life. In 2016, she was thrust into the spotlight in a way she hadn't anticipated when intimate photos of her kissing fellow singer Lauren Jauregui were leaked online. The outing was abrupt and invasive, and for a young artist just finding her footing, it was a defining moment.

"It was tough," Leia admits, her voice soft but steady. "No one should have to go through something like that, especially so publicly. It forced me to grow up really quickly and figure out who I was in a world that suddenly thought it knew me better than I knew myself."

Love, Loss and Lessons Learned

Soon after, Leia's very public breakup with Dylan Redcrown only added fuel to the tabloid fire. Rumors swirled that she had been unfaithful, accusations she continues to dispute.

"I've always been honest about the fact that things with Dylan were messy," she says, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It was a turbulent time in my life, and I made some poor choices... many that I'm not proud of, and that I won't get into. But I didn't cheat. I think people like to paint a certain narrative because it's more interesting than the truth."

Despite the media frenzy, Leia looks back on that period as one of growth. "I've learned a lot about boundaries, forgiveness, and what I need to feel whole. Sometimes, you have to hit rock bottom to figure out how to climb back up."

I ask if she's had any guidance from someone who's been through it all before and had their own share of time at rock bottom. Her face lights up at the mention of her best friend, Taylor Swift.

On reputation and her friend, Taylor Swift

"Taylor has been such an incredible friend and mentor," Leia says, her voice full of admiration. "She's been through everything you can imagine in this industry, and she's always so open with her advice. One of the biggest things she's taught me is to protect my peace. Fame can be overwhelming, but she's reminded me that it's okay to set boundaries and take time for myself."