"Woman Like Me" is a song recorded by the English girl group Little Mix featuring Trinidadian-born American rapper Nicki Minaj. Released on 12 October 2018 by Syco Music, it serves as the lead single from Little Mix's fifth studio album, LM5.[1][2]The track blends reggae fusion and R&B elements, with a runtime of 3:48, and was produced by Steve Mac.[3] It achieved commercial success, debuting and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart.[4] Internationally, it reached the top ten in several countries, including Scotland and Ireland.[4]At the 2019 Brit Awards, "Woman Like Me" won the British Video of the Year, following a live performance by Little Mix with guest Ms Banks.[5] The song's release was accompanied by a music video directed by Sophie Muller, featuring the group in various empowering scenarios. A minor controversy arose when Syco label executive Simon Cowell claimed Little Mix initially resisted recording the track, a statement the group publicly refuted.[6]
Background and Development
Composition Process
"Woman Like Me" was co-written by British singer-songwriter Jess Glynne, Ed Sheeran, and producer Steve Mac, initially intended for Glynne's second studio album, Always in Between, released on 12 October 2018.[7][8] Glynne determined the track did not fit the album's overall direction during its writing process, leading her to offer it to Little Mix for their fifth studio album, LM5.[7] Sheeran contributed guitar and uncredited background vocals to the final recording.[9]Little Mix members Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson received co-writing credits, indicating their involvement in refining the lyrics during collaborative sessions for LM5.[10] American rapper Nicki Minaj, credited as Onika Maraj, co-wrote and recorded her featured verse, which introduced hip-hop elements to the track's pop-R&B structure.[1] These contributions occurred amid the group's album recording efforts in 2018, with the song positioned as a potential lead single.[11]Production was led by Steve Mac, who shaped the upbeat fusion of pop, R&B, and rap influences through mid-2018 sessions, finalizing the track before its October release.[12] Engineers Chris Laws, Dan Pursey, and Phil Tan handled mixing and additional production details, ensuring a polished sound aligned with LM5's diverse stylistic range.[13]
Lyrical Themes and Musical Style
The lyrics of "Woman Like Me" emphasize self-acceptance and vulnerability, with Little Mix portraying themselves as flawed yet resilient women who demand unconditional love from a partner, as in the chorus questioning, "I wonder, could you fall for a woman like me?"[1][14] Specific verses highlight unfiltered expression and defiance of conformity, such as "I always say what I'm feeling / I was born without a zip on my mouth" and "In a world full of copies, I'm an original," which promote individuality amid societal pressures.[14][15] This narrative fosters female camaraderie among the group members, collectively owning past mistakes and personal growth without apology, as described by the band as a reflection of their evolution as women.[16]Nicki Minaj's featured rapverse injects bravado and self-assured dominance, with assertive declarations like "Queen, uh, ayy, yo," reinforcing themes of empowerment through exaggerated confidence typical of rap tropes designed for high-impact delivery.[17][14] Such elements echo prior pop empowerment tracks but integrate commercial rap stylings—prioritizing rhythmic punch and replay value—which may reflect production choices aimed at chart accessibility rather than nuanced introspection.[18]Musically, "Woman Like Me" adopts a dance-pop framework blended with contemporary R&B sensibilities, driven by layered vocals, synth-driven hooks, and a mid-tempo groove at 150 beats per minute in F minor.[19][20] The structure alternates between melodic choruses and Minaj's percussive rap, creating dynamic shifts that enhance its club-friendly energy, though the bassline and rhythms prioritize broad appeal over experimental depth.[21]
Release and Promotion
Artwork and Packaging
The cover art for "Woman Like Me", revealed on September 30, 2018, via Little Mix's social media platforms, presents the group members in vibrant, bold outfits with assertive poses, set against stylized urban elements to convey themes of confidence and street-style empowerment. This visual approach marked a departure from the softer, pastel tones of prior singles like "Power", adopting a more urban and edgy vibe reflective of the collaboration with Nicki Minaj's rap style.[16][22]As a digital single released on October 12, 2018, "Woman Like Me" did not receive a standalone physical packaging, but the track appears on the parent albumLM5's various formats, including standard and deluxe CDs issued November 16, 2018. The super deluxe edition of LM5 is housed in an A5-sized hardback book containing the disc, exclusive photographs, a handwritten note from the band, and four bonus tracks. Vinyl editions of LM5, pressed in black, also feature the song as the second track and were released in 2019. These packaging choices emphasized premium, collectible presentation aligned with the album's empowered aesthetic.[23][24][25]
Marketing and Singles Release
"Woman Like Me" was announced as the lead single from Little Mix's fifth studio album, LM5, on September 30, 2018, with an official release scheduled for October 12, 2018.[26] The announcement highlighted the collaboration with American rapper Nicki Minaj, positioning the track as a high-energy empowerment anthem to generate buzz ahead of the album's November 16 release.[16] This strategic timing aimed to sustain momentum from the group's prior singles while introducing elements designed to appeal beyond their core UK audience.The single was released digitally via Syco Music and Columbia Records on October 12, 2018, available on major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.[27] Promotional efforts included teasers shared across Little Mix's social media channels, where the group posted cryptic previews and behind-the-scenes snippets to engage fans and build anticipation.[28] Radio promotion commenced immediately, with the group appearing at stations such as Global's Capital Breakfast for interviews and play debuts on the release day, targeting key markets in the UK and select international outlets.[29]The partnership with Minaj was a deliberate choice to leverage her substantial US following, facilitating potential crossover success for Little Mix in the American market where the group sought greater penetration.[30] Minaj's verse added a hip-hop edge, aligning with the song's bold production and empowering lyrics to attract a broader demographic, though initial marketing emphasized the track's global pop appeal rather than region-specific strategies.[27]
Music Video Production and Content
The music video for "Woman Like Me" was directed by Marc Klasfeld and filmed primarily at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, England, during late September 2018, with additional segments shot in London and Los Angeles.[31][1][32]It premiered on YouTube on October 25, 2018, with a runtime of 3 minutes and 49 seconds, accumulating 22.8 million views in its first tracking week from October 26 to November 1.[33][34]The visual narrative is set in a charm school environment at the historic mansion, where Little Mix members Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock subvert domestic stereotypes through acts such as Edwards burning clothing with an iron, Thirlwall spitting out sugar cubes, Pinnock dancing with a vacuum cleaner, and Nelson smashing plates.[35][36] These sequences are intercut with group choreography and performance shots amid the estate's grandeur.[31]Nicki Minaj's appearance features in isolated segments, including an animated portrait of her character that activates during her rap verse, integrating her contribution without on-location presence with the group.[31][32]
Performances and Usage
Live Performances
Little Mix debuted "Woman Like Me" live on The X Factor UK during the live shows week 2 on October 28, 2018, marking the song's first televised rendition with the full quartet executing synchronized choreography and vocal harmonies.[37][38]On November 4, 2018, the group joined Nicki Minaj at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Bilbao, Spain, for a medley performance incorporating "Good Form" into "Woman Like Me," featuring high-energy dance routines and Minaj's rap verse alongside the quartet's verses.[39]The track was a staple of the LM5 Tour setlist in 2019, performed by the original four members after anthemic openers like "Power," with dates including Manchester Arena on November 16 and The O2 Arena in London on November 22, emphasizing group vocals and stage production.[40][41][42]At the 2019 BRIT Awards on February 20, Little Mix delivered the song with guest rapper Ms Banks substituting for Minaj, maintaining intricate footwork and layered ad-libs during the live broadcast from London's O2 Arena.[43]After Jesy Nelson's departure from the group in December 2020, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock adapted "Woman Like Me" for their trio configuration on The Confetti Tour in 2022, reworking it into a rock-oriented arrangement with adjusted choreography, as heard in performances at Belfast's SSE Arena on April 9 and London's O2 Arena on May 14.[44][45]
Media Appearances and Covers
"Woman Like Me" has appeared in the rhythm video gameJust Dance 2020 via the Just Dance Unlimited subscription service, allowing players to perform choreographed routines to the track featuring Little Mix and Nicki Minaj; official gameplay was released on May 14, 2020.[46] No verified sync licenses for major films, television series, or commercial advertisements exist, aligning with the song's primary association with promotional and streaming contexts post its October 2018 release. The track integrates into digital platforms, appearing in curated playlists on Spotify and Apple Music focused on pop anthems and female empowerment themes, though specific editorial placements remain undocumented in public licensing records.[47]Covers of "Woman Like Me" predominantly come from tribute productions and independent performers rather than mainstream artists. Tribute acts such as "Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show" replicate the song in live sets alongside other Little Mix material, targeting weddings, events, and parties with professional staging including public liability insurance and equipment.[48] These tributes gained visibility following Little Mix's December 2022 hiatus announcement, with acts like Glory Days and Little ReMix incorporating the track into high-energy performances emphasizing the group's harmonies and dance routines.[49] Fan and choreography covers proliferate on YouTube and TikTok, often by dance groups or solo artists, but lack widespread commercial recording releases from established musicians.[50]
Critical and Commercial Reception
Critical Analysis
Critics praised "Woman Like Me" for its empowering message celebrating female solidarity and resilience, with the reggae-pop fusion providing an infectious, upbeat rhythm that underscores themes of self-assurance and mutual support among women. Nicki Minaj's verse was frequently highlighted as a dynamic addition, delivering rapid-fire bars that amplify the track's confident energy and contribute to its anthemic appeal. Reviewers in outlets like Huffington Post described the song as showcasing Little Mix's assertive return, emphasizing how the lyrics reject traditional constraints on women while promoting unity.[51][52]Conversely, detractors critiqued the track's lyrical depth as superficial, relying on repetitive empowerment tropes common in contemporary pop without innovative substance, potentially rendering the feminism more performative than profound. Some noted formulaic production elements, including structural parallels to Ariana Grande's "Side to Side" (2016), particularly in Minaj's verse, which echoed her contribution there in phrasing and delivery, raising questions of originality. UK-based commentary also pointed to commercialization concerns, suggesting the single's selection prioritized market-friendly hooks over artistic risk, with Minaj's feature feeling underutilized amid perceived label-driven choices.[51][53][54]Aggregate user scores on platforms like Album of the Year reflect this divide, averaging around 60-70 out of 100 for the single, balancing enthusiasm for its catchiness against perceptions of generic reggae rhythms and overpowering guest elements that dilute the group's vocal interplay. Dissenting views further questioned whether the song's polished sheen masks a lack of genuine evolution in Little Mix's sound, favoring broad accessibility over challenging norms.[55]
Accolades and Awards
"Woman Like Me" received recognition at the 2019 Brit Awards, where it won the British Artist Video of the Year award on February 20, 2019; this fan-voted category highlighted the track's visual impact and public appeal over competitors including Ed Sheeran's "Happier" and George Ezra's "Shotgun".[56]Little Mix were concurrently nominated for British Group but lost to The 1975.[43]The song also secured the Best Song accolade at the inaugural Global Awards, presented by Global on March 7, 2019, in recognition of its pop-rap crossover success featuring Nicki Minaj.[57]Despite its commercial performance and cultural resonance, "Woman Like Me" did not receive Grammy Award nominations, with no entries in major categories such as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance or rap collaborations for the 2019 or subsequent cycles. No MTV Video Music Awards nominations were recorded for the track or its video.
Chart Performance and Sales
"Woman Like Me" debuted at number five on the UK Singles Chart dated October 19, 2018, ascended to number two the following week—where it held for one week—and spent a total of twenty weeks on the chart.[58] In the United States, the song peaked at number four on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart (equivalent to number 104 on the extended Hot 100) for two weeks.[59] It also reached number five on the US iTunes chart shortly after release on October 12, 2018.[60]The track performed strongly across Europe, entering sixteen international charts and achieving top-ten peaks in Ireland (number three) and Scotland (number three), alongside top-fifty placements in countries including Australia (number twenty-eight), Belgium (Flanders number forty-two), and the Netherlands (number thirty-eight).[61] In Asia, it registered modest entry in markets like Japan and the Philippines, reflecting broader appeal in regions with established Little Mix fanbases, though without top-ten breakthroughs.[61]By October 2025, "Woman Like Me" had amassed over 546 million streams on Spotify, contributing significantly to its longevity amid declining radio airplay and download sales post-initial hype.[62] Equivalent album sales estimates place the song's combined units above 480,000 in the UK alone by early 2019, driven initially by digital downloads before streaming dominated.[63] Chart trajectories showed post-peak drops, exiting top-forty positions in most markets within eight to twelve weeks as promotional momentum waned.[58]
Certifications
"Woman Like Me" earned certifications in multiple territories, denoting thresholds met for combined sales and streaming equivalents."In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded platinum certification on April 19, 2019, for 600,000 units. The track later achieved double platinum status for exceeding 1,200,000 units.[64]
The inclusion of Nicki Minaj's verse contributed to stronger performance in markets with significant hip-hop listener bases, such as Brazil.[67] No further certifications were reported as of October 2025.
Controversies and Criticisms
Video and Imagery Backlash
The music video for "Woman Like Me", released on October 25, 2018, featured Little Mix in form-fitting black leather bodysuits, fishnet stockings, and high-heeled boots, portraying scenarios of female camaraderie and defiance against judgment.[68] Critics and some public commentators argued that these visuals undermined the song's empowerment theme by emphasizing sexualized imagery, potentially reinforcing stereotypes of women as objects for male gaze rather than autonomous figures.[69] For instance, during a December 2018 performance of the track on a televised show, viewers criticized the group's "skimpy" attire as inappropriate, with social media reactions accusing them of prioritizing provocation over substance.[70]Band members addressed the backlash directly, with Jade Thirlwall dismissing detractors as often male journalists fixated on appearance over artistry, stating, "'Little Mix in bondage prostitute outfits!'… I’m not going to lie, it is usually a male journalist."[69]Perrie Edwards echoed this, noting the irony of scrutiny on outfits despite meticulous preparation in vocals and dance.[69] Proponents of the styling defended it as bold artistic expression aligning with pop conventions and the song's rejection of conformity, yet detractors contended it perpetuated objectification, citing empirical patterns in music videos where revealing attire correlates with viewer perceptions of reduced agency in female performers.[71]![Screenshot from the official music video for "Woman Like Me" by Little Mix][float-right]Public response included polarized online discourse, with some fans praising the confident aesthetics while others, including conservative outlets, labeled the imagery as "racy" and contradictory to the lyrics' call for unapologetic self-acceptance beyond superficial traits.[72] This tension highlighted broader debates in pop culture about whether hyper-sexualized visuals empower or commodify women, with no consensus in media analyses at the time.[69]
Collaborator Disputes and Feuds
In October 2021, featured artist Nicki Minaj became embroiled in a public feud with Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock during an Instagram Live session with Jesy Nelson, the band's former member who had participated in the "Woman Like Me" collaboration prior to her December 2020 departure. Minaj defended Nelson against blackfishing accusations—claims that Nelson had darkened her skin and altered her appearance to emulate Black or mixed-race features in Little Mix promotions, including styling from the 2018 "Woman Like Me" era—and accused Pinnock of jealousy over Nelson's solo trajectory, mockingly imitating her accent while referencing perceived resentment toward Nelson's independence.[73][74][75] This exchange, occurring on October 11 amid promotion for Nelson's debut solo single "Boyz" (also featuring Minaj), amplified post-departure tensions, with Minaj positioning herself as Nelson's ally against the remaining trio despite her prior professional rapport with the group via "Woman Like Me."[76]The blackfishing claims originated from Nelson's band years, where Little Mix members, including Pinnock, had raised concerns about her tanning and image choices in videos and photoshoots in an "educational" capacity, though no formal group confrontation ensued at the time. Nelson addressed the allegations in a Vulture interview on October 8, 2021, denying deliberate intent to appear racially ambiguous and asserting she faced no such backlash while in Little Mix, only upon her solo rebranding; she canceled follow-up discussions on the topic with the outlet. Pinnock later characterized the resulting online dispute, involving Minaj's barbs, as "horrific" and among her most challenging experiences.[77][78][79]These events underscored causal strains from the "Woman Like Me" production period, where Nelson's involvement reflected band dynamics that later fractured, with her exit citing mental health pressures amid comparisons to co-members—issues that resurfaced in the 2021 clash without direct ties to song-specific creative disagreements. Minaj's recurring collaborations with both Little Mix and Nelson highlighted selective alliances, but no verified feuds disrupted the original 2018 recording process itself.[80][81]
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Influence on Pop Music and Empowerment Narratives
"Woman Like Me" exemplified the stylistic experimentation in late-2010s girl group music, blending pop harmonies with reggae rhythms and a rap feature, which aligned with the decade's resurgence of such acts following the commercial peaks of groups like Fifth Harmony. This era marked a modest revival of multi-vocalist ensembles emphasizing collective female dynamics, with Little Mix's output, including this track, contributing to genre diversity amid declining traditional girl group dominance post-2000s. However, empirical evidence of direct causal influence on successor acts—such as emerging K-pop or Western ensembles—remains sparse, as broader trends were driven more by reality TV formats like The X Factor than individual singles.[82][83][84]Nicki Minaj's verse on the track modeled the integration of hip-hop into pop anthems, a crossover format she advanced through over a dozen high-profile features in the 2010s, from Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" to Ariana Grande collaborations, thereby normalizing female rap as a commercial enhancer in mainstream releases. Such inclusions often boosted chart visibility by appealing to diverse audiences, though they risked diluting rap's cultural specificity for pop accessibility.[85][86]The song's lyrics, promoting self-acceptance and resilience amid personal flaws, fit within pop's recurrent empowermenttrope, yet analyses of similar anthems critique this as commodifying feminist resilience—transforming abstract ideals into marketable hooks that prioritize consumer appeal over causal societal shifts. Qualitative studies highlight how girl empowerment tracks can perpetuate traditional gender norms under a veneer of progress, functioning as industry tools to drive female-targeted sales without addressing structural barriers. This market-driven approach echoes broader patterns where pop conflates spending power with autonomy, yielding commercial hits but limited discursive depth.[87][88][89]Commercially, "Woman Like Me" propelled Little Mix toward their pre-hiatus peak, registering 19,268 UK sales in its debut week and accumulating over 480,000 equivalent album units globally by aggregating streams and downloads, thus sustaining the group's momentum into their fifth album cycle. Yet, the track's legacy in shaping enduring empowerment narratives or pop trends has been constrained by the band's internal shifts, including a member's 2020 exit and the full group's indefinite hiatus by late 2022, which fragmented their collective output and curtailed potential for ongoing genre influence.[90][63][91]
Post-Release Usage and Tributes
A tribute production titled Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show has sustained fan interest in the song and Little Mix's catalog following the group's 2022 hiatus, embarking on UK theater tours that recreate performances of their hits with live vocals and high-energy staging.[92] The show, which entered its fifth year in 2024, visited venues such as Colchester's Charter Hall on February 22, 2024, and continued with dates into 2025, including April 6 at The Institute in Scarborough.[93][94] These non-official events emphasize chart-topping tracks like "Woman Like Me" to evoke the original group's dynamic, drawing audiences seeking nostalgic pop experiences amid the hiatus.[95]Social media engagement has included minor user-generated covers and edits on platforms like TikTok, with content such as lyric videos and performance recreations appearing sporadically between 2020 and 2025, though lacking widespread viral traction or organized trends. No prominent covers by established artists have emerged post-hiatus, aligning with the song's transition to playlist-driven streaming rather than active promotion.The official music video on YouTube has accumulated approximately 379 million views as of recent metrics, reflecting ongoing but decelerated accumulation typical of pre-hiatus pop releases without new marketing pushes.[96] This pattern underscores the finite cultural shelf-life of many pop singles, where initial peaks give way to steady, low-volume consumption via algorithmic recommendations rather than revivals or major tributes.
Technical Details
Track Listing and Formats
"Woman Like Me" was issued as a digital single with the standard version clocking in at 3:49.[97] Remixes released digitally include the Ms Banks version (3:21), Wideboys Remix (2:52), and Banx & Ranx Remix (3:05).[98] A physical CD single format containing the original track was produced.[99]The song serves as the second track on Little Mix's fifth studio album LM5, following the intro "The National Manthem".[100] It reappears on the group's 2021 greatest hits compilation Between Us, positioned as the opening track on the super deluxe edition.[101]
The track features primarily digital instrumentation, including programmed drums and keyboards, with no live band elements recorded.[103]
Release History
"Woman Like Me" was first released as a digital download and for streaming worldwide on October 12, 2018, through Syco Music, serving as the lead single from Little Mix's fifth studio album LM5.[27][14] The track premiered on UK radio the same day via Capital FM's Breakfast show.[104] No significant regional variations in the initial digital rollout were reported, with availability across major platforms including Spotify and Apple Music immediately upon launch.[105]A physical release followed as part of the LM5 album on CD and other formats on November 16, 2018, distributed globally by Syco Music and Columbia Records in select markets.[106]