...Continued
An Awakening
To Gift A World
A Message
More Than Just a Cover
An Iconic Venue for a very special occasion
Loren Allred's Journey
A few notes of interest before continuing Loren's journey. Over time, I've come to realize that those who follow Loren and comment on her uploads represent a community that's easy and comfortable to be a part of. Despite the immense diversity among her followers, each seems to share an appreciation for the person she is, as well as the artist she has become, which speaks volumes about themself. To those who've reached out to me, your comments and support are warmly received. To anyone who may feel the label of "generational talent" is yet to be earned, your opinion is respected. There are far too many talented artists in this world for everyone to be in agreement about the same one. Perhaps what's yet to come will alter those opinions, but please bear in mind that this story has not been about rating or ranking someone's place in history. This entire series has been about the growth and transformation that can result from a new perspective and a newfound awareness. It continues to be a story about the potential that lies within us all, if we're willing to provide the persistence and dedication necessary to find it.
I return to the subject of Loren, the now independent artist and businesswoman. Watching some of her current behind-the-scenes clips, I'm reminded of other entrepreneurial artists who have taken control of their careers and broadened their roles, such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna. Another example is Lady Gaga, not only a savvy businesswoman but someone who's crossed into multiple music genres, as well as other media platforms. Loren has already shown her ability to impress as a singer in multiple genres, and will likely show that same ability in other roles as well. Now self-directed, she hires talented production people, quality musicians, selects boutique labels for distribution, performs where she chooses, and selects the most efficient pathways toward achieving her goals and ambitions. She literally just has to point her finger in the direction she would like to go next. Just to illustrate the versatility in light fashion, take a moment to enjoy these delightful mini vignettes.
A gleeful spirit
A sophisticate
Brooklyn gal
In Part 1, just before the 2012 TV appearance of Loren on The Voice, I mentioned my focus on the Summer Olympics in London. The opening and closing ceremonies featured performances by rising UK singer Emeli Sande. There are more connections between the following three artists than most would suspect. Know that Emeli's first name is Adele, but she chose to use her middle name (Emily) because rising star Adele was already known at the time. Adele's "Chasing Pavements" was one of the songs Loren had uploaded to YouTube, which led to her early signing with a label. A common thread linking all three artists was the early influence of Lauryn Hill. Adele's insistence on remaining herself strongly coincides with Loren's decisions throughout her journey. Emeli expressed a similar show of strength by adding a tattoo image of Frida Kahlo. To my knowledge, Loren has never commented on her ink, but she has certainly shown her strength and resilience when needed. Then there is the fact that Emeli and Loren both entered the industry at roughly the same time, and both endured similar struggles within that process, although Loren unfortunately faced issues beyond just contracts and broken promises. By February 2012, Emeli Sande had debuted her first album, "Our Version of Things", containing the track "Clown", which portrayed those hardships and emotions experienced early on.
Aside from just interest, the connections above factor into the performance linked below, specifically the raw intensity and emotion seen and heard. The lyrics in "Clown" mostly reenact the struggles Emeli faced in trying to get signed by a label, while they portray the puppeteering and manipulation that Loren faced after the ink had dried. The memory of those moments alone is enough to account for the intensity seen and heard in this studio release. But there's an additional factor, which I'm left wondering about. During an interview, Loren stated that she would be releasing re-imagined versions of The Greatest Showman songs, along with a song from her recording industry days that was never released, and lastly an original song. Loren later confirmed that "Clown" was indeed that never-released song. I'd love to know what else was on that album. Backstory aside, this recording stands on its own, impressively demonstrating the power of a memory and a shared experience, and what it can evoke. The black and white format was the perfect choice for this video. The vocals, song lyrics, and story speak for themselves, so I'll simply suggest noting the number of shifts (20 or more) and the control throughout. This cover should've dropped 14 years ago. Enjoy Loren's version of "Clown."
"Clown" Cover
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"Flying Without Wings"
It's important to recall Loren's starting point to appreciate how special this next event really is. That beginning, career-wise, was when Ne-Yo championed her signing with Island Def Jam via their joint venture in September 2010, having heard her on YouTube. Her first public appearance(s) were mostly promotional events for his new album. Her part of their duet remix, "Pot of Gold," was said by some to have outshone her mentor. The outlet streams of that remix, along with capacity-crowd appearances, should have marked the beginning of her rise to recognition, but Ne-Yo soon left her label to join Motown, leaving Loren mired in a no man's land of complex contractual obligations. When her only other ally, L.A. Reid, left a few months later, Loren's already-stalled career came to a complete standstill. Exhausted and depressed, she endured the ordeal of The Voice, then welcomed her contract expiration and walked away from the recording industry. Pivot from that TV appearance (Round 3- The Voice) on October 29, 2012, to this October 28, 2025, guest appearance at Royal Albert Hall, and you will surely view this moment in a different light. Having lived the journey within this story, she will now stand on a stage shared by Winston Churchill, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and hundreds of other legends from Albert Einstein to Muhammad Ali, for a performance that will soon be shown on TV and Cinema Theater screens throughout Europe, and streamed worldwide. Hats off to Westlife for wanting to bring new life to this song, create a special dedication to one of their own, and selecting Loren to help do so.
Some Perspective
With a World Music Award, four Record of the Year Awards, and multiple world tours, Westlife needs no introduction to music fans. The group was formed in 1998, originally comprised of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden. Their third #1 single, "Flying Without Wings," won Record of the Year. Following three world tours, McFadden departed, and the remaining four became the group now known to so many. Mark Feehily's temporary absence, for health reasons, didn't stop the trio from touring. In June 2025, they announced that their "The 25th Anniversary Tour" would launch in October with their first-ever appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall, on two consecutive nights. The first night's performance was structured and conducted for filming a TV and Cinema Special, with the next night being a normal full concert. On both occasions, "Flying Without Wings" would be dedicated to missing member, Mark Feehily, it being his favorite song, and to make it special, the group chose to add guest artists to perform in his absence. U.K. singing star Kirsten Joy, of Clean Bandit, was chosen to perform for the TV & cinema filming session.
For the regular concert the following night, they had requested Loren, who was flown in from New York, and suddenly found herself performing on a stage she had dreamed of standing on someday. one treasured by all who have stood in her place throughout history. The limited-notice invite was lightheartedly acknowledged when she almost entered the song prematurely, met with smiles from all. It proved to be a special night for audience members and performers alike; so special that, afterward, her performance replaced the original one for the official ITV broadcast and Cinema Theater release. My heart goes out to the other artist, but I'm told this happens sometimes within the industry. Regardless, it's a wonderful tribute to how this appearance was embraced by all, band members and orchestra included. I've linked the highest quality clip I could find, although it's minus Loren's introduction, but you will find that part in the other link, including additional links in YouTube's menu.
Photo by Enrique
Royal Albert Hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1872. Seats 5,272
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Includes introduction
Thanks to TeamWestlifeWorld
Thanks to Betharie Cendera Arrahmani
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Royal Albert Hall during a calmer event
A Shining Moment
A Cherished Moment in Life's Circle
Let me first say that Loren posted her wedding photos on social media in September 2025, although the event took place earlier. I chose to respect that limited exposure by not including it at that time. Now that the images are publicly online, I'll include this beautiful moment in her life. Anyone who has followed Loren's journey has heard her speak of the support that her husband has provided along the way, and given the tumultuous ride she's experienced, It's hard to imagine anything more valuable during these times. I join in celebrating, along with her close circle of friends who attended the special occasion, and I couldn't be happier for her. It comes at a time when the pressures of her profession are ever-increasing, and the comfort and support of a trusted soulmate is priceless.
Vision, purpose, objective, they can all become blurred along the way as success crowds the journey, and your two greatest allies are your instincts and a reliable counterpart. The former has always served her well, and the added strength and solace of the latter is something we're all either grateful for or wish we had. Anyone familiar with my much-neglected Cognizant Soma site will immediately see the similarity of Loren's journey and the circle of life depicted there, from dreams and struggle to fulfillment in multiple ways. In Loren's case, so much lies ahead in both career and life. She has always managed to find the right path and navigate it wisely. Having a genuine, caring partner to travel that path with can only help her reach for her own star, rather than the ones that others would have her strive for.
