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."

It's no secret that Leia and Taylor are close, often spotted together at industry events or grabbing coffee in New York - before Swift's notable public disappearance after her 2016 feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. With Taylor's reputation era in full swing and the blonde returning into the spotlight, I ask Leia what she thinks of the album that has captivated millions.

"I'm obsessed with reputation," Leia gushes, leaning forward excitedly. "It's bold, it's unapologetic, and it's so different from anything she's done before. I've listened to it on repeat since it came out. 'Delicate' is my favourite track right now, but honestly, every song is a masterpiece. Taylor has this incredible ability to evolve with every album, and it's so inspiring to watch."

While discussing Taylor Swift's reputation era, Leia brings up another moment from 2017 that had a profound impact on her: Taylor's court victory in her sexual assault case. In August 2017, Swift won a symbolic $1 lawsuit against a former radio DJ who had groped her during a meet-and-greet. The trial became a landmark moment in the conversation around consent and respect for women in the industry, with TIME naming the pop-star as one of their "Silence Breakers".

"That case was so important," Leia says, her tone shifting to one of deep admiration. "I remember watching it all unfold and feeling so proud of her. It wasn't just about Taylor—it was about every woman who's ever been made to feel powerless. She stood up, she fought, and she won. That kind of courage is rare, especially in an industry that often tells women to be quiet and not make waves."

Looking Ahead: How Does Hudson Plan To End 2017?

With 2018 drawing to a close, I'm curious how Leia plans to ring in the new year after such a whirlwind 12 months. Will she be celebrating in a big way, perhaps with a glamorous party or a tropical getaway?

"I'm actually keeping it pretty low-key," Leia says with a laugh. "After such a crazy year, I just want to be around the people I love. I'm hosting a small party at home with some friends and family. Nothing too wild - just good food, good music, and good company."

As our interview winds down, it's clear that Leia Hudson is not just a rising star but a grounded and thoughtful young woman navigating her newfound fame with grace. With her talent, drive, and a solid support system, it's safe to say that 2018 will be another record-breaking year for Leia.

"I'm excited for what's next," she says with a determined glint in her eye. "There's so much more I want to do, so many stories I want to tell. This is just the beginning."

And if her incredible debut is anything to go by, we can't wait to see where Leia's journey takes her next.

.

.

.

.

"Hey, I know it's her birthday tomorrow, but do you think you can speak to Taylor about getting me to the front of the verified fan queue for reputation Tour tickets?"

Leia rubbed at her temple as she lowered her book, her eyes looking up to see Georgie sheepishly grinning at her from the other side of the room. She stared at her sister for a moment longer, unsure if she was being serious or not.

"I literally cannot tell if you're being real with me right now," Leia muttered, rolling her eyes and looking back down at her book. Georgie groaned, moving across the room and snatching it from her hands despite the protests that fell from her sister's lips as she flung it behind her.

"Leia, I am being SO serious right now," Georgie whined, flopping down on the couch and throwing half her body dramatically across Leia's. "I barely have got anywhere in the queue since Taylor has given me the merch for free so now I don't know if I'll even get tickets!"

Leia opened her mouth to protest again, but Georgie pressed on, her words tumbling out in a rush of excitement and desperation.

"Please, Leia? You're her girlfriend! And it's not like I'm asking for free tickets or anything. I just want a better spot in the queue. That's not so bad, right?"

"Mmm, still not sure," Leia said, a sparkle in her eyes that Georgie missed.

"Plus, I promise I'll do your laundry for a month. No, two months! And I'll stop borrowing your clothes without asking. Well, maybe not that, but I'll definitely ask first. Come on, Lei, please? Pretty please with a cherry on top and-"

"You know," a familiar voice cut through Georgie's rambling, "I'm not sure the cherry on top is really necessary."

Georgie froze mid-sentence, her eyes widening in horror as she slowly turned to face the source of the voice. There, leaning against the doorframe with an amused smirk on her face, stood Taylor. 

Leia sniggered under her breath, turning to grin at Taylor who smiled warmly back at her. Georgie glared deeply at Leia as she slapped her arm, standing up off the couch with a scowl on her face as she realised that Leia knew fine well that Taylor would have heard every word she was saying and yet had allowed her to keep making a fool of herself.

"T-Taylor?" Georgie squeaked, her face flushing a deep crimson. "I... uh... I didn't know you were here."

Taylor chuckled, pushing herself off the doorframe and sauntering into the room with Tate following closely at her heel. The big dog had grown into the habit of following her around, especially when the cats weren't in attendance. 

"I came over last night," Taylor laughed, pulling Georgie into a hug. "And as for the tickets, I don't think you need to worry about buying any, especially since your sister is one of the tour openers."

The words hung in the air for a moment, heavy with implication. Georgie's jaw dropped, her eyes widening to saucers as she tried to process what she'd just heard. The room seemed to freeze, the only sound the gentle whirring of the air conditioning and Tate's soft panting.

"Taylor!" Leia's voice cut through the silence, sharp and panicked. She jumped up from the couch, nearly tripping over her own feet in her haste. "I hadn't told her yet!"

Taylor's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes darting between the sisters. "Oh no, I'm so sorry! I thought... I assumed..."

Leia wasn't mad at Taylor - it wasn't like Leia wasn't going to tell Georgie, she was just waiting for the perfect moment to drop the news. Georgie had been deep in end of semester exams, and the last thing Leia wanted to do was burden her with the secret that she was going to be joining her girlfriend on tour - well, a part of the tour anyway.

It had been a joke between Leia and Taylor at first. Taylor had been talking about how it was likely that Joe would need to be at a good amount of the dates to upkeep their PR relationship that was still going steady. The public and (most) fans were convinced that the love songs on reputation were about the blond Brit, and Tree wanted to keep it that way.

Leia had, of course, gotten playfully jealous at the idea of him standing there as Taylor sang the lyrics in a stadium full of people watching him, assuming it was a moment of genuine love between the duo. Leia had jokingly said that if she could, she would have always just came to every tour date to show her support but it would ruin the whole point of their PR relationships with the amount of speculation that would cause.

Taylor had gone silent, then proposed the question: if Leia could be there every night, without it damaging their PR, would she?

They'd called Adrian and their management teams up to discuss the logistics, and then Tree and Riven to talk about it from publicity point of view. Leia wouldn't be able to make the first nine shows in the US, but she'd join for the first UK show in Manchester and stay all the way until show number 46, the closing night of the US second leg in Arlington. Taylor would go on to Australia, Tokyo and New Zealand without her.

It wouldn't be announced until Spring, but Leia was delighted. The other two opening acts were still to be finalised but Taylor had told Leia she was really keen to get Camila involved since her solo career was currently taking off too. 

Back in the New York apartment, Georgie wasn't paying attention to Taylor anymore. She stood stock-still, her gaze fixed on Leia, a kaleidoscope of emotions flitting across her face. Shock, confusion, and then, slowly, a dawning realisation that bloomed into pure, unbridled joy.

"You're... you're opening for Taylor?" Georgie's voice was barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment. "On the reputation tour?"

Leia nodded, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "I was going to tell you at the New Year's Eve party. I wanted it to be a surprise."

The room erupted into chaos. Georgie let out a scream that could have shattered glass, launching herself at Leia with such force that both sisters tumbled onto the plush carpet. Tate, startled by the sudden commotion, began to bark excitedly, his tail wagging furiously as he danced around the laughing, crying heap of limbs on the floor.

Taylor watched the scene unfold, her earlier mortification melting into warm affection. She couldn't help but laugh as Georgie peppered Leia's face with kisses, all while rapid-fire questions tumbled from her lips.

"When did you find out? How long have you known? Oh my god, Lei, this is huge! Wait, does this mean I get to go backstage? Will I get to meet all the dancers? Can I help pick your outfits?"

She turned to Taylor, climbing off Leia and rushing over to hug the blonde again.

"Oh my god, does this mean I get to see rehearsals before the tour even starts? Am I gonna be in the tour DVD? Can I draw your 13 on your hand every night?"

Taylor didn't have the heart to tell her that one, there would be no tour DVD (although she was in discussions about the tour being filmed for streaming) and two, she wasn't going to be drawing the 13 on her hand for the tour.

Still pinned against Georgie, the blonde could barely get a word in edgewise anyway. She looked over at Leia who was sitting back up, her eyes sparkling with a mix of exasperation and pure happiness. 

"A little help here?" she mouthed, grinning.

"Oh no, you're on your own with this one."

She meant what she had said in her interview with the woman from Billboard - things truly were surreal. Here she was, watching as one of the biggest pop-stars on the planet, who also happened to be her girlfriend, hugged her little sister as she rambled tour questions out of her mouth.

Things were just seeming to get more and more unreal.

____

Taylor's 28th birthday was very relaxed. 

Leia headed back out to Nashville with Taylor, celebrating the girl's birthday with her parents and brother - and no cameras or public parties. Scott had spent the morning showing Leia all of their old photo albums of Taylor and Austin while Taylor had gone for a morning stroll with Andrea. Austin had whined and complained the entire time, but also occasionally stopped to tell funny stories about certain pictures of him and Taylor.

They'd then had a lovely family lunch, which Andrea and Austin had insisted on making a selection of Taylor's favourite foods from when she was younger. Leia had spent time with Taylor's family before, but it always amazed her at just how down to earth they all were. Andrea was almost finished with recovering from her final round of treatment against cancer, but you would have never guessed it with the energy that the woman had. 

"Riven says yes," Taylor said as Leia helped Andrea with the dishes, her phone in her hand as she sat on the counter near the two women. "And Tree suggests putting a photo with someone else in it too, if you're posting more than one photo."

The art of posting a photo online to celebrate your best friend's birthday when they aren't actually your best friend but your top-secret girlfriend - that was something Leia was learning a lot about today.

Leia nodded, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she considered Taylor's words. 

"Okay, that makes sense. What about this one?" she asked, showing Taylor a candid shot from the previous year. It was the two of them laughing with Gigi at Leia's album wrap party, their heads all thrown back in genuine joy and laughter.

"Perfect. That'll definitely throw people off the scent."

As Leia started crafting her Instagram post, Andrea chimed in from the sink. 

"You two have gotten awfully good at this whole secret relationship thing, haven't you?

Taylor hopped down from the counter, wrapping an arm around her mother's shoulders. "Trust me, Mom, it's a day-by-day thing."

Leia looked up from her phone, catching Taylor's eye. They shared a soft smile. It wasn't easy, but moments like this - surrounded by family, able to just be themselves - made it all worthwhile.

"Alright, post is up," Leia announced, tucking her phone away. "Now, I believe someone promised me embarrassing stories about Taylor's teenage years?"

Taylor groaned dramatically as Andrea's eyes lit up. "Oh, honey, do I have stories for you," the older woman said with a mischievous grin.

As Andrea launched into a tale about Taylor's first attempt at baking cookies solo ("The smoke alarm went off and everything!"), Leia settled in, relishing this glimpse into her girlfriend's past.

Right there, in that moment, they were just Taylor and Leia - two girls with no reason to hide their love. Leia didn't know it then, but she truly didn't appreciate those moments for what they were worth.

___

 "Are you going to kiss Shawn at midnight?"

Leia rolled her eyes as she passed by Georgie and Camila, the two girls gossiping to each other in the hallway. Camila was disgusted at the words that had just fallen from Georgie's lips, and Leia made a mental note to bring that exact moment up again when Shawn and Camila inevitably did get together - because they all knew it was going to happen, even if Camila didn't realise yet. 

"Have you seen Taylor?" Leia asked Gigi as she passed the girl, her arms wrapped tightly around Zayn's neck. They broke apart from each other, Zayn smiling gently at Leia while Gigi shrugged nonchalantly.

"Not in a bit, I think she was speaking to Azul last time I saw her," Gigi replied before turning back around and kissing Zayn again. Leia rolled her eyes but smiled anyway, glad to see that they were currently back to being a couple again. She found it hard to keep up with the two of them sometimes.

Leia weaved her way through her crowded apartment, the air thick with laughter and the scent of champagne. The New Year's Eve party was in full swing, with friends mingling in every corner. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow on the faces of her guests. As she passed the makeshift dance floor, she caught sight of Ed Sheeran attempting to teach Selena Gomez some questionable moves, both of them giggling uncontrollably.

She paused by the window, taking in the breathtaking view of the New York City skyline. The city was alive with anticipation, ready to burst into celebration as the clock ticked closer to midnight. Leia smoothed down her sequined dress, a gift from Taylor that sparkled with every movement. Her fingers absently traced the delicate chain around her neck, a small charm hidden beneath her clothes.

Lost in thought, Leia didn't notice the tall figure approaching until she bumped right into him. She stumbled back, an apology on her lips, only to find herself face-to-face with Joe Alwyn.

"Oh, Joe! I'm so sorry," Leia said, forcing a smile. "I didn't see you there."

Joe gave a polite nod, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "No worries, Leia. It's quite the crowd in here."

An awkward silence fell between them, the background noise of the party suddenly feeling very far away. Leia fidgeted with her champagne flute, searching for something to say.

"Are you enjoying the party?" she asked, wincing internally at how strained she sounded.

"Yes, thank you for inviting me. It was kind of you, considering..."

He trailed off, leaving the unspoken truth hanging in the air. Considering he was Taylor's supposed boyfriend. Considering the complex web of PR relationships they were all entangled in. Considering he was able to walk outside and hold her girlfriend's hand without the threat of their entire world collapsing. 

"I was just looking for a refill," Joe said, cutting himself off and changing the topic.

Leia nodded, gesturing towards the array of bottles on the counter. "Help yourself. There's plenty to go around."

An awkward silence fell between them as Joe poured himself another glass of wine. Leia fidgeted with the hem of her sequined top, searching for something to say. It wasn't that she disliked Joe – quite the opposite, in fact. He was always unfailingly polite and even charming at times. 

But there was an undercurrent of tension that had never quite dissipated between the two, an elephant in every room that neither of them could fully ignore. 

It had been Riven's suggestion that inviting Joe and Zaria would be good for their respective PR relationships. Joe had been instant to accept the invitation, since he was filming in New York and knew no-one else in the city. Zaria had other plans for the evening, but had swung by for a staged photo that afternoon with Leia and Georgie that would be added into Instagram dumps from the night.

Just as the silence between Leia and Joe was becoming unbearable, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"There you are!" Taylor exclaimed, appearing beside them with a bright smile. She was radiant in a sleek black jumpsuit, her blonde waves cascading over her shoulders. "I've been looking everywhere for you, Leia. Oh, hi Joe!"

Leia felt a wave of relief wash over her at Taylor's presence. The blonde smoothly inserted herself between them, linking an arm through each of theirs.

"Joe, have you tried the canapés? They're divine," Taylor said, steering him towards the buffet table. Leia watched with a bemused smirk on her face as she whisked him away, introducing him to one of her friends - Ashley - before returning to Leia with a glint in her eyes.

"So," Taylor said softly and almost sultry, "any plans for midnight?"

Leia glanced around the room, acutely aware of the eyes that might be watching them - not that it mattered. Everyone here knew about them, and had signed NDAs. She trusted them all enough - and so did Taylor.

"I don't know," she replied, matching Taylor's playful tone. "I hear it's bad luck not to kiss someone at midnight."

Taylor's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer, her lips barely brushing Leia's ear.

"Well, we certainly can't have that, can we? I suppose I'll just have to take one for the team and be your midnight kiss."

Leia felt a shiver run down her spine, her skin tingling where Taylor's breath had ghosted across it. She turned to face the blonde, their bodies now mere inches apart. 

"Oh really? And here I thought you'd be too busy kissing Joe for the cameras." 

Taylor rolled her eyes playfully, her hand coming to rest on Leia's waist. "Please, as if I'd choose anyone else when you're standing right here looking like that." Her gaze swept appreciatively over Leia's form, lingering on the way the sequins caught the light. "Have I mentioned how much I love this dress on you?"

"Only about a dozen times tonight," Leia teased, her fingers toying with a loose strand of Taylor's hair. "But feel free to keep the compliments coming."

They continued their flirtatious banter, oblivious to the bustling party around them. Taylor's thumb traced lazy circles on Leia's hip, while Leia's hand had found its way to the nape of Taylor's neck, playing with the soft baby hairs there. Their faces were close enough that their noses almost touched, both of them swaying slightly to the music that pulsed through the apartment.

"You know," Taylor murmured, her voice low and intimate, "I had a whole speech prepared for midnight. Something about how this past year has been the best of my life because of you, and how I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."

Leia's heart swelled, her eyes misting slightly. "And now?"

"Now I'm thinking I might just kiss you senseless instead."

"Guys! The countdown's starting!"

The party guests began to gather around the large TV screen, where the glittering ball in Times Square was poised to drop. Leia felt Taylor's hand slip into hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. But Leia barely registered any of it. In that moment, there was only Taylor, her lips soft and insistent against Leia's as soon as the clock struck midnight. 

And just like that, 2017 was over.