Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jessie J says ‘acid reflux’ caused her to struggle during her Baftas performance

The ‘Price Tag’ star opened up about her struggles with the condition

Isabel Dempsey
Monday 12 May 2025 15:54 BST
Comments
Jessie J on health rumours

Jessie J has taken to Instagram after her performance at the Bafta TV Awards to explain to fans why it looked like she was struggling.

This was the “Price Tag” and “Bang Bang” singer’s first performance on British TV for six years. She fittingly sang her new song “The Award Goes To” for the stars of the small screen.

After her performance she took to her Instagram stories to explain why the performance didn’t go as planned, revealing that she had struggled with acid reflux that evening.

While most viewers didn’t notice anything amiss from her usual powerful vocals, Jessie feared that experienced singers would have noticed that she was struggling.

She said: “People who know how that is (or singers) I’m sure you could see me struggling but I threw the mic stand and pushed through.”

She added: “I love life. It’s never perfect but it is real. Grateful to be back and remember how mad and magical this whole thing is. There is no hiding in these streets.”

Jessie J shares her struggles with her fans
Jessie J shares her struggles with her fans (Instagram)

Despite a small gulp at the start, the intimate piano performance was mostly sung to the camera before she belted out her raspy vocals for the crowd.

In a statement before the performance, the singer said: “I haven’t sung on British television in years. What a way to come back, it’s an honour.”

Jessie ensured that she was back home by 9 pm to set up for her son’s 2nd birthday the following day.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Last year she revealed that she had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after motherhood “exposed” the conditions “a lot more”.

In 2023 Jessie J left her label Republic Records after 17 years together. In an Instagram post, she confirmed that there was no animosity. She said: “I have to just be honest with who I am and what I want from my career now and how I feel – and being signed just doesn't sit with that now.”

Jessie J and Alan Cumming (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
Jessie J and Alan Cumming (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

Despite her break from music (with her last single before this year released back in 2021), in 2024 she earned over £7m for her beloved hits.

However, she did recently release a new single “No Secrets” on April 25 and is set to perform to a sold-out crowd at Union Chapel on May 20.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in