Attitude Awards: Kathy Sledge says ‘tonight, I’ve found my purpose’ as she wins Ally Award
The singer was presented with award by Nick Grimshaw at tonight's Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, at the Roundhouse in London
By Alim Kheraj
Kathy Sledge, singer, songwriter and co-founding member of Sister Sledge, has received The Ally Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar.
After broadcaster Nick Grimshaw presented her with the award at the star-studded ceremony tonight (Wednesday 9 October 2024), the ‘We Are Family’ singer told the audience: “To be a voice on such an iconic song, especially when I was 16, and I couldn’t hear it until it was finished – the idea that it has brought all of us together in so much unity is so special. And purpose – I feel many of you in this room know your passion. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to know your purpose.
“Tonight, I’ve found my purpose, as a voice that has lifted up so many in so many ways. It feels special to me, and I’m honoured. Thank you.
“The love we feel tonight in this room is more than love – it’s an unconditional love that comes from the heart, and every person in this room keeps shining through. When your passion meets your purpose, you collide with destiny.”
Kathy joins pop icon Lulu, comedian Mawaan Rizwan and musical legend Elton John, who have all received awards at the glittering annual event, held at the Roundhouse in London.
In an interview with Attitude to support her win, the ‘Take Me Back to Love Again’ hit maker said she was “thrilled” with her award.
“I’m embracing it in a huge way,” she said. “I’ve got to tell you – I just came home three days ago [from touring the UK]. But then we worked it out with my time, and I was like: ‘This might be the only reason I’d go back!’”
Kathy also spoke about the significance of the song ‘We Are Family’ among the LGBTQ+ community.
“What it does is brings you together. A sense of family, home, realness,” she said of the track. “There’s a purpose with my voice and what it does. It’s uplifting. I’m hearing it more and more at this place in my life. It gets me very emotional.”
Known for hits such as ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ and ‘All of My Love’, Kathy, both as a solo artist and as part of Sister Sledge, has sold over 15 million records world wide. She joins the likes of Michelle Visage, Beverley Knight and Sharon Stone, who have all previously received The Ally Award.
To read interviews with all of the winners from tonight’s ceremony, including cover stars Elton John, Lulu, Mawaan Rizwan, The Blessed Madonna and 2024 Eurovision winner Nemo, order your copy of the of the Attitude Awards issue now or check out the Attitude app.