Summer 2025 is about to get smoother, sultrier, and a whole lot more soulful as Brit Award winner and Grammy-nominated artist Deniece Pearson—best known as the powerhouse lead singer of iconic pop group Five Star—prepares to drop her mesmerizing new single, “Like A Child,” on August 11. The track, a velvety blend of 90s R&B nostalgia and modern soul, marks her first release of the year and offers a tantalizing preview of her long-awaited solo album, Free-Queen-See, due in early 2026.
Fresh from a prolific year in the studio, Pearson describes “Like A Child” as a “soothing soulful vibe for summer”, channeling the effortless cool of TLC with a vocal cadence that pays homage to the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. The song’s laid-back groove carries a deeper message, weaving in a scriptural reference—“Whomever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me”—a line Pearson calls “simple but very important words to apply to life.”
For Pearson, recording the track near her hometown in Essex felt like a full-circle moment—a return to her roots as she embarks on an exciting new chapter. The single follows a triumphant resurgence over the past two years, celebrating 40 years in music with sold-out shows at Pizza Express Live in London, a string of electrifying performances across the UK, and a trio of well-received singles. Her 2024 pop anthem “Evolution”, the reggae-infused Christmas hit “Santa Claus Is Coming” (which topped the Reggae Chart), and the infectiously upbeat “Forever Young” (a Top 12 Pop Chart entry) all hinted at the versatility fans can expect on Free-Queen-See—her first studio album in over a decade.
Pearson’s legacy is nothing short of legendary. As part of Five Star, she helped make history as the youngest British act to score a #1 album, the first Black group to win a BRIT Award (Best Group, 1987), and the first UK group to land seven consecutive hit singles from one album. Classics like “System Addict,” “Rain or Shine,” and “The Slightest Touch” cemented their status as pop royalty, with over 20 Top 30 UK singles to their name.
After stepping away from the spotlight to raise her two children, Pearson made a show-stopping comeback—first in the West End’s Thriller Live, then dazzling audiences in Respect La Diva with her spine-tingling renditions of Beyoncé’s “Listen” and Whitney Houston medleys. Her star only grew brighter with a show-stopping performance at the Sydney Opera House in Disco Divas and a memorable turn on BBC’s The Voice in 2012, which led to her supporting The Jacksons on their UK tour.
Beyond music, Pearson has used her voice for purpose, releasing “Rafiki Yangu” (Swahili for “My Friend”) in 2013 as a tribute to Nelson Mandela, with proceeds benefiting the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Her 2014 solo debut, Imprint, and its accompanying 16-date UK tour with Billy Ocean proved she was far from finished—and with “Like A Child”, she reaffirms her place as a timeless vocalist and innovator.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more—Pearson is currently planning a UK tour, with details to be announced soon. For now, “Like A Child” stands as a testament to her enduring artistry: a silky, soulful escape that bridges past and present, faith and groove, proving once again why Deniece Pearson remains unforgettable.
Pre-save “Like A Child” now—out August 11.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.