Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’ Has Nearly 2 Billion Streams Over 2 Decades Later: ‘It’s An Anthem’ (Exclusive)

Natasha Bedingfield Reflects on the Lasting Impact of ‘Unwritten’ at Forbes Power Women’s Summit

Pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield has taken time to reflect on the incredible journey of her iconic track “Unwritten” during a recent appearance at the 2026 Forbes Power Women’s Summit held in New York City. With two decades having passed since its 2004 release, the powerful anthem has gained immense popularity, racking up nearly two billion streams.

At the summit, Bedingfield spoke candidly about the song’s significance, declaring, “It feels like it’s not a trend. It’s an anthem.” The artist explained that when she and her team first penned the lyrics, their goal was to create a unifying song—a piece that could be embraced by a diverse audience. “We were like, ‘This is something that everyone can sing,’” she recounted.

Bedingfield revealed further insights into the creation of the track, reflecting on the scepticism she faced from her record label at the time. They questioned her about who she envisioned as her ideal audience. “Everyone,” she confidently answered. “For that song, I always felt like it was for everyone. So when everyone sings it back to me, it makes me feel so amazing.”

While “Unwritten” was written with a communal spirit, it also holds personal significance for Bedingfield. “It also was a message that I, maybe in my karma, need of this thing that you can be outside the box and outside the lines and create your own future,” she noted. This blend of personal and collective resonance has contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.

The artist’s conversation during the summit did not solely focus on her past success. Bedingfield also discussed her excitement about new projects. She recently released “Dot Dot Dot,” her first solo single in several years, and is actively working on a new album. “The era that I’m in right now is art. It’s fun. It’s owning who I am and standing in that and growing as an artist,” she shared. Bedingfield acknowledged the influence of modern sounds in her upcoming work, stating that she remains committed to crafting “great songs” that she loves to perform.

“Unwritten” enjoys a revered status within pop culture, having served as the theme song for the popular television series “The Hills.” In addition to its success on music charts—where it reached No. 1 on Billboard’s U.S. Adult Contemporary chart and enjoyed high positions on various other charts—it has also gained newfound relevance in film. The song featured prominently in the romantic comedy “Anyone But You,” released in 2024, in which characters performed its uplifting lyrics, reinforcing the song’s universal appeal.

In earlier interviews, Bedingfield has fondly recalled her efforts at the young age of 22 after signing her first record deal, feeling compelled to prove her worth in the competitive music industry. Inspired by the idea of a child being like a “blank sheet of paper,” she wrote “Unwritten” as a heartfelt gift for her younger brother, whom she hoped would find encouragement in its message. This origin story illustrates the song’s relatability, particularly among young listeners navigating their formative years.

As Natasha Bedingfield continues to establish her legacy in the music world, it is clear that “Unwritten” holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its embrace of themes such as self-discovery and the potential for a bright future resonates across generations, ensuring that it remains a beloved anthem. Through her reflections at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit, Bedingfield not only acknowledged her past triumphs but also reaffirmed her commitment to growth and artistic expression as she looks to the future.