For British singer-songwriter Jessie J, 2025 was a year marked by both profound struggle and remarkable resilience. As the calendar turned to the final days of December, the 37-year-old artist took to Instagram to share a candid reflection on what she described as one of the hardest, yet most transformative, years of her life. Her message resonated deeply with fans across the globe, not just because of her fame, but because of the raw honesty with which she confronted her own pain.
"This year has been heavy and hard in many ways for all of us," Jessie J wrote in her December 30 post, according to iNews. The singer, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, revealed that she had spent the holiday period feeling low, crying frequently, and finally allowing herself to process emotions she had kept at bay for months. It was a strikingly vulnerable admission from a star who has long been in the public eye.
Jessie J's emotional candor comes after a year that tested her both physically and mentally. In June 2025, she announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The news, shared openly with her followers, was quickly followed by a mastectomy—a major surgery that would change the course of her year and her life. While she initially offered uplifting updates about her recovery, including her excitement about returning to music and making the most of every day, the reality was far more complicated behind the scenes.
As reported by both iNews and other outlets, Jessie J's recovery was not without its setbacks. She faced complications, including a hospitalization for a suspected blood clot, underscoring the unpredictable and ongoing nature of her health journey. Despite these hurdles, she remained committed to her recovery, determined to continue living and creating with purpose.
In her Instagram post, Jessie J emphasized that she was writing not to put a positive spin on her experience, but to acknowledge the genuine pain she felt. "We are not superhuman or meant to be happy and positive all the time," she stated, urging her followers not to hold in their grief or sadness. She stressed the importance of honesty in confronting difficult emotions, encouraging others to embrace their feelings rather than mask them with a façade of happiness.
The singer's message was clear: vulnerability is a part of being human. She encouraged those supporting friends or loved ones who may be struggling to offer comfort, rather than urging them to hide their tears. "We are not superhuman," she wrote, "and it is normal and healthy to cry." Her words struck a chord with many, particularly during a time of year when societal pressures often demand joy and celebration, even when individuals may be grappling with loss or hardship.
Professionally, 2025 also marked a significant turning point for Jessie J. After years away from the recording studio, she released her first album in eight years, "Don't Tease Me With a Good Time," in November. The album, which she released independently after parting ways with her major label, represented both a creative rebirth and a testament to her resilience. The timing of the release—coming on the heels of her cancer diagnosis and surgery—underscored the complex intersection of personal adversity and professional achievement.
Her comeback was further highlighted by a major performance at BBC Radio 2 In the Park in September. This event was notable not only as her first time on stage since her surgery, but also as the first time her two-year-old son saw her perform live. The moment was deeply meaningful for the artist, symbolizing both her return to the spotlight and the new normal she was learning to navigate as a mother and cancer survivor.
Yet, even as she celebrated these milestones, Jessie J remained open about the ongoing challenges she faced. She revealed that she would need to undergo a second surgery related to her breast cancer, a reminder that her journey was far from over. Through it all, she continued to update her fans with honesty and courage, sharing both her triumphs and her struggles in equal measure.
Jessie J's willingness to share the unvarnished reality of her experience has made her a source of inspiration for many. Fans and fellow artists alike have praised her for breaking down the stigma around discussing emotional pain and mental health, especially in the context of serious illness. Her message—that it's healthy and normal not to feel positive all the time—has offered comfort to those facing their own battles, whether public or private.
According to iNews, the singer's recent social media post did not attempt to force a positive ending or gloss over the difficulties she had endured. Instead, it stood as a raw acknowledgment of feeling low during a period often associated with joy and togetherness. Jessie J sent love to anyone feeling similarly, reminding them that they were not alone in their struggles.
Her openness about the emotional toll of breast cancer, the realities of recovery, and the pressures of maintaining a public persona have sparked important conversations about empathy and support. In an era when social media often showcases only the highlights of people's lives, Jessie J's willingness to share her lows as well as her highs has helped foster a more compassionate and understanding community.
As 2026 begins, Jessie J faces the future with the same blend of vulnerability and strength that has defined her past year. Her journey—marked by pain, perseverance, and moments of joy—serves as a reminder that healing is rarely linear, and that acknowledging one's struggles is a vital part of moving forward. For Jessie J and her fans, the message is clear: courage is not the absence of fear or sadness, but the willingness to face them head-on, with honesty and heart.
