For Christmas 2020 it was clear that the John Lewis and Waitrose advert had to be something different. Something that captured the spirit of our times and encapsulated the collective difficulties we have all faced this year, but in a positive and heart-warming way. One that delivered hope and the opportunity to share the love. But who would perform the all-important soundtrack? 

Welcome 26-year-old Celeste Epiphany Waite, born in LA, brought up in Brighton and about to become a household name across the globe. With her rich, entrancing voice that can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, rising star Celeste was the perfect fit for the John Lewis and Waitrose Christmas advert 2020.

It was back in February, pre-lockdown, when she won the Rising Star award at the BRITs. Her arresting performance of Strange, under a single spotlight, drew audible gasps from the audience – her raw, unbridled talent on show for all to see. This year she also won the BBC’s Sound Of 2020, chosen by a panel of 170 music experts including artists Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi. Magazines and newspapers from GQ and Vogue to the NME and The New York Times, have touted her as a talent to watch, an icon in the making. 

Born to a Jamaican father and British mother, Celeste spent her early childhood in Dagenham, east London and then moved to Saltdean, a village on the Sussex coast near Brighton. The soundtrack to her childhood was jazz and blues – Ella Fitzgerald, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin – and it’s clear these artists have inspired her; their influence permeating through her own musical style.

It was while working in a Brighton cafe that she had the lightbulb moment she wanted to perform. At 16, Celeste uploaded her song Sirens onto YouTube, which garnered much attention and helped pave the way for studio sessions at the legendary Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill. After moving to north London and performing at small venues, she signed with Polydor in 2018, and in 2019 released the captivating Strange, a song that can move listeners to tears in seconds.

Roll on one year and Celeste is now the voice of the John Lewis and Waitrose Christmas advert. Below we chat to the singer about the inspiration for the song, the surreal experience of 2020 and her hopes for the year ahead.

What inspired the soundtrack for the advert? 
At the time I had Ella Fitzgerald stuck in my head for a few days so that definitely had some influence over me when writing the song A Little Love. I attempted to create something timeless and something that encapsulated Christmas. Ultimately the song is about the gift of sharing love, which means different things to different people. 

How did you feel when you were asked to be involved with the advert?
It was a huge honour, and to have been given the opportunity to write an original piece of music for such an important moment in the Christmas calendar was just brilliant. My favourite ad from the past is the ‘Man on the Moon’ one from 2015.

What do you hope the audience will take from the song?                                    Warmth, nostalgia, positivity and happiness. 

Can you describe the songwriting process?
I wrote this song with my main collaborator, Jamie Hartman. We actually wrote this during lockdown earlier this year so we used Zoom to do the writing session. This year I have noticed more than ever how important it is to look out for those around you not just your family and friends but your local community. 

Where did you record it?  
To begin with I recorded it very roughly at home and then once the lockdown had eased we spent the day recording at The Church Studios in north London. 

Winning the BBC’s Sound Of 2020 as well as being named the BRITs Rising Star must have made this year pretty special. How has it been?
This year has been very unexpected, but it’s been a very surreal experience, one that I’m grateful to have had. It's been a challenging year at times but also a year of positive personal growth. I’ve learnt a lot about myself, including how resilient I am.

How would you describe your music?
Honest, introspective and relatable (hopefully).

What advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d say, ‘Relax, as everything is going to be OK and keep following your instincts.’

Are there any particular Christmas traditions that you always follow?
Pulling Christmas crackers and having an advent calendar.

What was the most precious Christmas gift you can remember?
Time is the most precious gift anyone can give anyone. I’m really hoping that I’ll get to spend Christmas with family! I plan to be snuggling on the sofa.

Will we be seeing you perform the song live? 
I’m having a very busy end to the year. I’ll be performing the song on the finale of The Voice as well as The Royal Variety Show, Jools Holland and Top Of The Tops.

What are you most excited about for 2021?
I’m excited for people to finally hear my new music and to hopefully see my fans in person at a gig, if that’s allowed. I’m looking forward to travelling, playing shows and meeting lots of new people. I missed that this year.

What’s your message of hope for the year ahead?
My message would be to focus and embrace all the good things that are going on in your life and be grateful for what you have. 

How will you be spreading a little love this Christmas?
This Christmas I’ll be spreading a little love by letting my friends and family know how much I’ve appreciated their love and support this year. Love is a feeling, so let people know how you feel.