Leighton Meester ‘Didn’t Know’ Music from Debut Album Was Randomly Released: ‘I’ve Had Other Stuff Going on’ (Exclusive)

Leighton Meester Surprised by Random Release of Debut Album Music

Actress and singer Leighton Meester recently shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that she was caught off guard by the sudden availability of songs from her early music career for fans to enjoy. Two tracks, “Body Control” and “Your Lies Are the Truth / Almost Perfect,” originally meant for her unreleased 2009 pop album, unexpectedly appeared on music streaming services in August. Meester, 39, candidly admitted that she had been preoccupied with other projects and was unaware of the development. Reflecting on the situation, she speculates that contract renewals with streaming platforms might have led to the songs resurfacing without her prior knowledge.

The multi-talented Meester has kept busy over the years with a diverse portfolio of film, television, and music projects. She rose to fame with her role as Blair Waldorf in the iconic series Gossip Girl and ventured into the music industry with collaborations like “Somebody to Love” with Robin Thicke and “Good Girls Go Bad” with Cobra Starship, which achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Meester showcased her singing skills in the 2010 film Country Strong and later explored a more folk-inspired sound with her album “Heartstrings” after taking a hiatus from pop music.

In a recent Bustle interview, Meester shared insights into her decision to shift away from pursuing a career in pop music. She expressed reservations about her singing abilities in that genre, leading her to pivot towards styles that resonated more authentically with her. Despite her reservations, Meester remains passionate about creating music and is pleased that fans now have the opportunity to listen to her earlier works. Partnered with Godiva for a new campaign, she expressed her desire to continue making music in the future, acknowledging that her acting commitments sometimes take precedence.

Currently gracing screens in the television series Good Cop/Bad Cop and gearing up for the upcoming season 2 of Nobody Wants This alongside her husband, Adam Brody, Meester’s artistic versatility continues to captivate audiences. Her music is available for streaming and purchase, allowing fans to immerse themselves in her evolving sound. The unexpected re-release of her debut album tracks serves as a reminder of Meester’s enduring impact on both the entertainment and music industries.

As Meester navigates her dual career as an actress and musician, she exemplifies resilience and creative exploration in pursuit of authentic expression. Her candid response to the surprise release of her early music demonstrates a grounded perspective on the unpredictable nature of the industry. With a promising future ahead and a growing body of work that spans across different artistic mediums, Leighton Meester remains a compelling figure in the realm of entertainment.