Singer Natasha Bedingfield talks about the surprising viral success of her 2004 hit Unwritten, her quiet family life in the States and hanging out with A-list friends and royalty
WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PHOTOS: GETTY, GUERIN BLASK/AUGUST
COMEBACK QUEEN
Natasha Bedingfield’s No1 single, Unwritten, became an instant anthem when it was released in 2004. Now, her hit about living life to the fullest is back in the UK charts, thanks to its appearance in Sydney Sweeney’s latest romcom, Anyone But You.
Sussex-born Natasha says she’s delighted her old track has made a resurgence – it’s even gone viral on TikTok – but the 42-year-old “introvert” is an unlikely pop star.
She has sold millions of records such as These Words and I Bruise Easily, collaborated with everyone from Sheryl Crow to Paul McCartney and, as she tells OK!, she counts Friends actress Courteney Cox as a pal. Yet Natasha prefers to “keep the drama in the music”.
Although she’s from a musical family – her brother is Gotta Get Thru This singer Daniel Bedingfield – the star has lived quietly in the States with her husband of almost 15 years, businessman Matt Robinson and their son Solomon, six. The family have relocated from LA to New York, but she tells us she never forgets her roots.
Here, Natasha opens up about the scary time she thought she might lose her little boy, her encounter with Prince Harry and why she’ll never court fame.
Natasha, how does it feel now Unwritten is back in the UK charts?
It’s crazy! I would never have anticipated Unwritten being used in a romcom at the beginning of the year – which is also its 20th anniversary. So, I’d already talked to the label about doing something big. We’re talking about a big show, maybe a vinyl version and I plan to put some new music out. The stars just aligned.
You’ve done a Sophie Ellis-Bextor! Murder On The Dancefloor returned to the Top 10 due to Saltburn…
[Laughs] Yes, that’s also a great song. I just think a good song is a good song. I went to the red carpet of Anyone But You and the actors were there. My publishers were like, “Natasha, just so you know, your song really is used a lot in the movie.” I thought, “Great, thumbs up!” Then I saw the film and was like, “Wow, it’s played three or four times!” That felt special. I love that it’s trending on TikTok, people are skipping out of cinemas singing it.
How did life change in 2004 after having a No1?
I’m an introvert who likes people. A
