Jessie J Reflects on 2025: “One of the Hardest but Most Magical Years” After Breast Cancer Surgery

Jessie J opens up about her challenging 2025, sharing honest emotions and resilience after breast cancer surgery.

A Year of Trials and Triumphs: Jessie J’s 2025 Journey

If you’ve followed Jessie J over the years, you know she’s the kind of artist who wears her heart on her sleeve and isn’t afraid to share the raw truths behind the music. This past year, 2025, has been one heck of a rollercoaster for her — a blend of hardship and unexpected magic. When Jessie J announced in June that she was diagnosed with early breast cancer, it sent ripples of concern and support through her fanbase. Shortly after, she underwent surgery that was thankfully successful, but the fight wasn’t over yet.

By August, she had to cancel a bunch of UK, European, and North American tour dates to prepare for a second surgery. It was a tough call, especially for someone whose life rhythm is deeply tied to performing and connecting with fans.

Jessie J looking reflective and strong during 2025.

The Honest Truth Behind the Scenes

Just as the year was closing, Jessie J took to Instagram Stories to share an open, heartfelt message. “This is an honest story post that will get blown up I’m sure. But who cares.” She candidly acknowledged that beneath the social media gloss of “everything is fine, I’m happy, I’m good, life is perfect,” many of us face grief, hurt, pain, sadness, heartbreak, and heavy reflection, especially this time of year.

She described 2025 as “one of the hardest but most magical years” for her, both personally and professionally. But the heaviness caught up with her during the holidays — the first real break she’d had in months. Jessie revealed she was crying a lot, writing things down, and feeling “really low tbh. The lowest I have felt in a while.” It’s a reminder that even stars have their winter blues and moments of vulnerability.

A Powerful Reminder: It’s Okay to Let It Out

Jessie’s message goes beyond just her story — it’s a gentle nudge for all of us. She spoke of an “accumulation of stuff just making its way to the surface” and encouraged everyone to release their feelings. “Don’t hold it in people,” she urged. “We are not superhuman or meant to be happy and positive all the time. It’s healthy and normal to cry.”

This honesty is a breath of fresh air in a world obsessed with perfection and positivity. Her vulnerability makes her all the more relatable and inspiring.

“Sending love to anyone feeling this way too right now. No positive end to this. Just I’m with ya. It’s shit sometimes.” — Jessie J

Musical Moments Amid Recovery

Despite the setbacks, Jessie J has kept her artistry alive. In September, only 11 weeks after her initial surgery, she made a stirring return to the stage at BBC Radio 2 in the Park, accompanied by her two-year-old son. “I’m still very much in the recovery process,” she shared then, “but I’m just so grateful to be here.” That moment was both touching and triumphant — a true testament to her strength.

Towards the end of the year, Jessie released her sixth studio album, Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time, featuring heartfelt singles like “No Secrets,” “Living My Best Life,” “H.A.P.P.Y.,” and “I’ll Never Know Why.” The album feels like a soundtrack to her journey — reflecting the highs and lows of her recent experiences.

Here’s a look at her single "I'll Never Know Why," capturing some of that raw emotion:

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Even with all she’s been through, Jessie J isn’t letting go of the spotlight anytime soon. She’s scheduled to perform at the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth in 2026, joining a lineup that promises great vibes and unforgettable moments.

Additionally, she’ll be sharing the stage with Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters at London’s Mighty Hoopla Festival in May — a testament to her enduring energy and creative spirit.

Last but not least, Jessie is set to close out 2025 with a performance on the iconic Jools Holland’s Hootenanny on BBC Two, sharing the bill with legendary musicians like Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, Olivia Dean, Lulu, Craig David, Heather Small, The Kooks, Imelda May, Joe Webb, David Hermlin, and Ruby Turner. It’s a fitting cap to a year full of challenges and triumphs.

The Strength Behind the Spotlight

Jessie J’s story in 2025 is a powerful reminder of resilience. It’s a year that forced her to confront vulnerability head-on, yet also one where she found magic in the struggle. Her openness about mental health, recovery, and the messiness of life breaks down the walls between star and fan, showing us all that sometimes, feeling low is simply part of the journey.

As Jessie herself puts it, there’s no tidy, positive ending — just the raw reality of being human. And sometimes, that honesty is the most comforting gift of all.

FAQ

• How did Jessie J’s 2025 health journey unfold?
  Jessie J was diagnosed with early breast cancer in June 2025, underwent successful surgery, and later needed a second surgery, which led to canceled tour dates. She publicly shared her recovery and emotions throughout the year.
• What was significant about Jessie J’s September 2025 performance?
  Only 11 weeks after surgery, Jessie made an emotional return to the stage at BBC Radio 2 in the Park, joined by her young son, marking an important milestone in her healing process.
• What themes are present in Jessie J’s 2025 album?
  Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time features songs reflecting her personal challenges and growth, with singles like “No Secrets” and “I’ll Never Know Why” highlighting vulnerability and strength.
• What major festivals will Jessie J perform at in 2026?
  She’s slated to perform at the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth and the Mighty Hoopla in London alongside Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters.
• How does Jessie J describe dealing with emotional lows?
  Jessie encourages embracing feelings and crying as healthy and normal, emphasizing that no one is superhuman and it’s okay not to feel positive all the time.

If Jessie J’s journey has moved you, consider bringing a piece of that inspiration home. Shop your favorite album cover poster from our store to celebrate the music and resilience that define her story: Architeg Prints.