Find out the story behind Perrie's new song 'If He Wanted To He Would'
She wrote it with Nina Nesbitt
Last updated 27th Aug 2025
It had been SIX LONG MONTHS since Perrie last released a song - in the shape of her Valentine's track 'Rollercoaster', so when the Little Mix singer posted a clip teasing new music, it's no surprise that her fans went wild.
Now the singer has released the long-awaited song called 'If He Wanted To He Would', which was co-written by Nina Nesbitt and The Nocturns. Find out more about the new banger from Perrie.
What is the story behind 'If He Wanted To He Would'?
Co-writer Nina Nesbitt shared the story behind the song with her fans. She told them in an Instagram caption: 'If He Wanted To He Would by @perrieedwards is out today! 💞 I might have stopped releasing the bangers myself but I’ve been very busy writing them behind the scenes with my favourite pop girlies. Very grateful for this release and Perrie for having me work on the upcoming album.
'A little story behind this song! I started a song idea called if he wanted to he would about 2 years ago but it never got picked up and it was a completely different genre (like a slow r&b thing lol). It was frustrating at the time as I really loved it.'
She continued: '2 years later I’m in a session with Perrie and @thenocturns and she tells me she wants to write a song about being the one all the girls go to for advice. We wanted to write the guidelines for our friends or for our own past experiences. Then I thought back to some of the lyrics from this old idea and they sparked the start of the song you’re hearing now. I see this song as a reminder to not bin off your old ideas. Even if it’s just a few words to get you going. Sometimes they’re just not there yet or are still waiting for the right home.
'I found myself in stitches the entire day while writing this with Perrie, Joe & Charlie. She is hilarious and a lot of these lyrics came from us just having a laugh. It’s another reminder to just say THE THING and have fun, which is easy to forget sometimes lol.
'It’s been magical seeing Perrie become the solo artist and songwriter she is. Thank you @trejeanmarie for bringing me in. 😇
'Anyway! Check this one out, send to any friends in need and look out for a surprise cameo LOL ✨'. (sic)
How did she announce it?
Perrie took to Instagram to share a video in early August. Shared without a caption, the video showed clips from previous music videos, ending with a side profile silhouette of Perrie, and her name appearing on screen.
It was initially unclear if the tease is for a new song, or perhaps an album, as several fans suggested. Reacting to the video, one fan wrote: 'THE DROUGHT IS OVERR!!! so happy and excited for you♥️', (sic) with another saying: 'YES MA'AM. WE'VE BEEN WAITING!!!!'. (sic)
However, another noticed the singer has also changed her profile pic, writing: 'the profile picture change ohh it’s serious'.
What is the new song called?
The song is called 'If He Wanted To He Would'. The name has been confirmed in the audio name of her Instagram Reel, along with on the pre-save webpage.
Is there a music video?
There is a music video, it premiered on YouTube at midday on 22nd August 2025. The video stars Perrie along with Nina Nesbitt, who co-wrote the song with Perrie. It references several rom com movies including The Holiday, Bridesmaids and Pretty Woman.
Who wrote the song?
As mentioned above, Perrie wrote the song with Nina Nesbitt and The Nocturns.
When was Perrie's new song released?
The song is out now! After teasing the song for a while, Perrie then confirmed it would be released on 22nd August. She shared the artwork on 15th August, writing: 'If He Wanted To He Would’ out next Friday ♥️'.
When will she release her album?
On the same day the single was released, Perrie announced her album would be released in September! The singer told fans the debut solo album is called 'Perrie' and will be out on 26th September.
Take a look at Perrie through the years:
2011: Perrie Edwards wins The X Factor as part of Little Mix
Performing as part of Little Mix on The X Factor in 2011, Perrie was thrown into the lime light alongside Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and former member Jesy Nelson, when the girls became the first group to win the talent show.
As part of Little Mix Perrie then released six albums, all of which have reached the Top 5 in the UK. Perrie has also co-written a number of songs that the girls have released, including Number 1 singles 'Wings', and 'Shout Out to My Ex'.
2013: Little Mix release ’Salute’
Little Mix release their second studio album, 'Salute', which was mostly co-written by the group as they wanted to be more involved. 'Salute' reached Number 4 in the UK and was certified Platinum.
2015: Little Mix get their second UK Number 1
Little Mix released the lead single from their third studio album 'Get Weird'. 'Black Magic' became the girl's second Number 1 song in the UK and was also nominated for two BRIT Awards the following year.
2017: Little Mix won their first BRIT Award
'Shout Out to My Ex', a song co-written by Perrie won the girls their first BRIT Award in 2017. The girls took to the stage to thank their fans and the inspiration for the song with Jade saying: "Thanks lads!".
2019: Perrie released Perrie For Superga
Perrie launched a collection with Superga, speaking about it she said: "I'm really excited to be working with Superga on their new product range. It's a brand I've loved and worn for a while now, as I love the style and fit of their shoes. They're really cute and so versatile, I love them!"
2019: Little Mix appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox
Perrie along with her band mates appeared on an episode of Celebrity Googlebox. The girls sat down to watch Naked Attraction and raised a few eyebrows!
2020: Perrie became the first female ambassador for Supreme Nutrition
Supreme Nutrition and Perrie started to work together in 2020, when Perrie was announced as the first female ambassador. Supreme Nutrition sells a variety of protein, energy and wellness formulas, alongside fitness clothing, shakers and bottles.
Perrie's work with the brand followed her boyfriend Alex becoming an ambassador in May 2019.
2021: Perrie launches her solo project Disora
Back in December 2020 Perrie started to tease her new project. Then in October 2021, Perrie announced her first solo project Disora, a luxury fashion range. Over the following weeks, the brand and singer have revealed more details, including photos of hoodies and sweatshirts. Disora is now available online, and will ship globally.
2022: Little Mix begin their hiatus
On Saturday 14th May, Perrie joined her Little Mix girls as they performed their final show ('for now'), marking the beginning of the band's hiatus. The emotional show took place at London's O2, and was available for fans around the world to live stream. The teary concert saw Little Mix perform tracks like 'Between Us', 'No More Sad Songs' and 'Secret Love Song'.
2022: Perrie launches Disora Move - The Seamless Collection
In July 2022, Perrie launched her own gym-wear collection, in the form of Disora Move - The Seamless Collection. The range includes various pieces such as gym leggings, shorts, sports bras and zip-up tops.
2023: Perrie opens up about debut solo music
In March 2023, Perrie opened up about her solo music, which she said does not have a "set timeline", telling Grazia: "My label Columbia Records have told me to just go with the flow and enjoy discovering what my sound is going to be. The fact there's no deadline in my life just makes me the happiest person. I feel so lucky to just be having fun."
Then in October 2023, Perrie shared some photos from her home recording studio saying she's been 'cooking'.
2024: Perrie releases her debut song 'Forget About Us'
After years of teases about her debut solo music, in February 2024, Perrie started to share a number of promo shots, as well as a video which featured vocals from her solo material! The song, called 'Forget About Us' was released on 12th April, and has been co-written by Ed Sheeran.
2024: Perrie releases her second solo song 'Tears'
On 21st June, Perrie released her second solo song called 'Tears', after teasing it for several weeks. The singer also released the lyric video.
2024: Perrie releases 'You Go Your Way'
Perrie has now release her third solo single 'You Go Your Way'. It was released on Friday 4th October.
2024: Perrie Edwards reads a CBeebies Bedtime Story
In November, Perrie Edwards will read a CBeebies Bedtime Story dressed in pink pyjamas. She will read The Shape of My Heart by Mark Sperring and Alys Paterson.
2024: Perrie performs at Hits Radio Live
On Saturday 23rd November 2024, Perrie took to the stage of Manchester's Co-op Live Arena for Hits Radio Live. She performed her biggest hits to sold-out crowds, alongside fellow performers...Jax Jones, Cian Ducrot, Rita Ora, Clean Bandit, KSI, Teddy Swims and Tom Grennan.
2025: Perrie releases new single on Valentine's Day
In January 2025, Perrie started to tease not one but two songs. She told her fans she couldn't decide which song to release on Valentine's Day. She ended up releasing 'Rollercoaster' on 14th February.
2025: Perrie announces her new single 'If He Wanted To He Would'
In August, Perrie started to tease another song, eventually revealing it to be called 'If He Wanted To He Would'. The song will be released on 22nd August.
2025: Perrie drops her debut solo album 'Perrie'
On 22nd August, Perrie announced the name and release date for her debut solo album. The album dropped on 26th September, with Perrie later releasing a fan edition, which included seven additional tracks.
Now read:
Perrie Edwards: What we know about her debut solo album
Perrie Edwards' career through the years: from The X Factor to solo music
11 fascinating facts about Little Mix Queen Perrie Edwards 👑