The mum of Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards is delighted about One Direction’s visit to the region.
Debbie Hogg shared her joy with the Gazette after yesterday’s announcement that the boyband, which stars Perrie’s boyfriend Zayn Malik, would perform at the Stadium of Light.
The boys, who went on to worldwide fame after coming third on the X Factor in 2010, will kick off the UK leg of their world stadium tour, Where We Are, at Sunderland AFC’s home ground next year.
Zayn will follow in the footsteps of his girlfriend, as Perrie is set to play the venue with her fellow Little Mix members, as part of North East Live on June 22.
Debbie said: “I think it’s just fabulous. I never dreamed in a million years that Perrie would be performing at the Stadium of Light.”
“I always knew Perrie would do something with her voice, but watching her now perform in front of millions of people is just amazing.
“She never had any formal training for her voice.
“She just went to a performing arts group and sang in her bedroom.
“I encouraged her to go for the X Factor, but she thought I was the only person who thought she was any good, and look at her now.
“The girls have been over in America and all over the world and it’s just unbelievable – I’m so proud of them.”
Little Mix, which also stars Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Perrie’s fellow Sanddancer Jade Thirlwall, became the first group to ever win the X Factor in 2011.
Debbie added: “Having Little Mix and One Direction play at the Stadium of Light is fantastic for the region, and I’ll be trying my best to make it along for the gigs.
“I think it’s just inspirational for all the young girls and boys out there who are sitting singing in their bedrooms and dreaming about making it.
“They might think they don’t stand a chance, but you just have to look at Perrie and the girls and Zayn and the boys – they would have all thought the same thing once and look where they are now.”
Tickets for North East Live, on Saturday, June 22, cost from £25. Doors open at 1pm.
The event also features performances from JLS, The Wanted, Rita Ora, and others. To book, go to www.axs.com.
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