Bebe Rexha reflects on industry struggles ahead of new album 'Dirty Blonde'

Bebe Rexha opened up about a major turning point in her career, revealing how stepping away from her record label helped her regain creative freedom after years of feeling like she had lost control.

The Grammy-nominated singer, 36, left her longtime label in 2025 and became an independent artist, a move she says allowed her to reconnect with herself and her music.

“After years of feeling like I had no power, it was very hard for me to tap into the real feelings. I kind of numbed myself out,” Rexha told PEOPLE while discussing her career reset.

The singer admitted she felt creatively restricted during her previous record deal and believed she had missed out on important moments in her life. However, she says she has chosen to focus on moving forward.

“I think the most expensive currency in life is time,” she said. “But you’ve got to move forward.”

Rexha is now entering a new chapter with her fourth studio album, Dirty Blonde, which marks a return to her dance-pop roots while also exploring more personal and emotional themes.

The 13-track visual album reflects her journey of finding confidence and freedom as an independent musician.

“I felt free,” she said of creating the project. “I don’t like being stuck in a box.”

Known for writing major hits before becoming a solo star, Rexha has built a career across multiple genres, including her work on The Monster, her country-pop collaboration Meant to Be, and her global dance hit I'm Good (Blue).

The singer said she previously struggled with feeling like she did not fit into one specific category because of the variety of sounds in her music.

“I always felt kind of insecure about the fact that I did have songs like ‘Meant to Be’ or dance songs with Guetta,” she explained. “With Dirty Blonde, I’m finally like, ‘You know what? I’m literally writing these songs. I’m going to just do what I want.’”

Raised by Albanian parents on Staten Island, Rexha said her diverse musical background shaped her willingness to experiment and avoid following a traditional pop star image.

The singer has also continued to be open about her struggles with body image, confidence and mental health, saying she has learned to embrace every version of herself.

“I’ve had ups, I’ve had downs; I’ve been skinnier, I’ve been fatter, I’ve been in between,” Rexha said. “The most important thing for me is not only just looking hotter but feeling hotter.”

She added that she feels happier and more comfortable with who she is today.

While many artists focus on maintaining a carefully polished public image, Rexha said she has accepted that being authentic is what defines her.

“There’s different kinds of pop stars — untouchable and relatable,” she said. “I just feel like I have to be relatable and just always tell the truth and speak my story.”

Before becoming independent, Rexha revealed she faced rejection from major labels, with some questioning whether she was too old to continue building her career.

Despite those setbacks, she said she remained determined.

“I could have easily just stopped,” she said. “I’m most proud of not giving up.”