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Leigh-Anne Pinnock Says She Wants to Move to New York for Music Career, Husband Opposes
Leigh‑Anne Pinnock, the former Little Mix singer, has announced that she is considering a move to New York to advance her solo career, but her husband, footballer Andrew Gray, has expressed strong reservations. The announcement came after Pinnock revealed she is pregnant with a third child, a development she shared on the Relationsh*t podcast with host Kamie Crawford.
On the podcast, Pinnock explained that she feels the United Kingdom offers limited support for Black female artists, a sentiment that has driven many peers to pursue opportunities in the United States. She said, “In the UK, there’s a lot of Black female artists that aren’t getting the support they deserve, and people are coming to America for that reason.” She added that she believes a move to New York would help her mental health and broaden her fan base.
Pinnock also highlighted the practical challenges of relocating while pregnant. She noted that her daughters attend school in the UK and that a move would restrict her ability to spend time with them. “I definitely feel like there’s a market here for me and a fan base that I can keep nurturing. But I have to be here. And I’ll be honest, it is really hard with kids,” she said.
The singer’s solo career has been in the spotlight since Little Mix went on hiatus in 2022. She released the singles “Don’t Say Love” and “My Love” featuring Ayra Starr, both of which entered the UK Top 30. In 2024 she issued the single “Stealin’ Love” ahead of the EP No Hard Feelings on 31 May, and in July 2025 she released the independent single “Been a Minute.” Her debut solo album, My Ego Told Me To, dropped in February 2026 and reached number three on the UK and Scottish album charts.
Pinnock’s decision to consider a U.S. base comes amid a broader industry conversation about the support structures available to Black artists in the UK. Her comments echo concerns raised by other musicians who cite limited radio play and marketing resources as barriers to growth.
Andrew Gray, a professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, has been a frequent presence in Pinnock’s public life. The couple married in 2023 and have two daughters born in 2021. Gray’s career has taken the family to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Greece and Turkey, but the couple’s current focus is on the upcoming birth.
Pinnock’s statement has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers about the balance between career ambition and family responsibilities. While she has not yet confirmed a definitive relocation plan, her openness about the tension with her husband signals that the decision will not be made lightly.
The music community will watch to see whether Pinnock ultimately moves to New York or continues to build her career from the UK. Her upcoming releases, including the next single from My Ego Told Me To, will likely keep her profile high regardless of her geographic base.
In the meantime, Pinnock remains a prominent advocate for racial equality in music, having produced the documentary Leigh‑Anne: Race, Pop & Power and received awards for her activism. Her public stance on artist support and her personal journey as a mother and performer continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
On the podcast, Pinnock explained that she feels the United Kingdom offers limited support for Black female artists, a sentiment that has driven many peers to pursue opportunities in the United States. She said, “In the UK, there’s a lot of Black female artists that aren’t getting the support they deserve, and people are coming to America for that reason.” She added that she believes a move to New York would help her mental health and broaden her fan base.
Pinnock also highlighted the practical challenges of relocating while pregnant. She noted that her daughters attend school in the UK and that a move would restrict her ability to spend time with them. “I definitely feel like there’s a market here for me and a fan base that I can keep nurturing. But I have to be here. And I’ll be honest, it is really hard with kids,” she said.
The singer’s solo career has been in the spotlight since Little Mix went on hiatus in 2022. She released the singles “Don’t Say Love” and “My Love” featuring Ayra Starr, both of which entered the UK Top 30. In 2024 she issued the single “Stealin’ Love” ahead of the EP No Hard Feelings on 31 May, and in July 2025 she released the independent single “Been a Minute.” Her debut solo album, My Ego Told Me To, dropped in February 2026 and reached number three on the UK and Scottish album charts.
Pinnock’s decision to consider a U.S. base comes amid a broader industry conversation about the support structures available to Black artists in the UK. Her comments echo concerns raised by other musicians who cite limited radio play and marketing resources as barriers to growth.
Andrew Gray, a professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, has been a frequent presence in Pinnock’s public life. The couple married in 2023 and have two daughters born in 2021. Gray’s career has taken the family to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Greece and Turkey, but the couple’s current focus is on the upcoming birth.
Pinnock’s statement has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers about the balance between career ambition and family responsibilities. While she has not yet confirmed a definitive relocation plan, her openness about the tension with her husband signals that the decision will not be made lightly.
The music community will watch to see whether Pinnock ultimately moves to New York or continues to build her career from the UK. Her upcoming releases, including the next single from My Ego Told Me To, will likely keep her profile high regardless of her geographic base.
In the meantime, Pinnock remains a prominent advocate for racial equality in music, having produced the documentary Leigh‑Anne: Race, Pop & Power and received awards for her activism. Her public stance on artist support and her personal journey as a mother and performer continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
