Life After X Factor Almost Ruined Me! School of Rock Bottom 58: Raquelle Gracie
Today I welcome a powerhouse and all round lovely human Raquelle Gracie – an artist, entrepreneur, and former X Factor finalist who has worked with music legends like Pharrell Williams and Babyface. But it’s not all glitter and glam. Raquelle shares her unfiltered story of hitting an emotional 'bottom' in the ruthless world of the music industry.
At just 23, Raquelle found herself rejected by Babyface’s label, dropped without a visa, and left stranded in LA with no money. But that was just the start of her battle. From facing personal betrayal to struggling with self-worth, rejection became a recurring theme in Raquelle's life. In this episode, she opens up about the deep emotional scars she carried and the dangerous spiral of self-sabotage that almost took everything away.
Yet, despite all the darkness, Raquelle rose. Ditching the booze, she turned her pain into power, using her journey of rejection and grief to fuel her creativity and help others. Raquelle's story is one of resilience, growth, and empowerment. From the music industry’s harsh realities to her personal breakthrough, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to face your own challenges head-on.
More on Raquelle -
She first made waves as a finalist on The X Factor in 2007, touring with Boyzone and Westlife before working with Pharrell Williams and signing with Babyface via Universal Records. She even co-wrote a US Dance Chart top-three hit with Randy Jackson.
But Raquelle’s impact doesn’t stop at music. She’s shaping the next generation of artists, running songwriting camps and artist retreats in Portugal, founding RISE Creative Arts theatre school, and launching Tiny Gym, a fresh take on Tiny Desk concerts.
Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -
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Topics -
0:00 Intro
3:15 Raquelle's rock bottom
6:00 Dealing with rejection & mysogyny
9:15 Without singing - am I enough?
13:45 Rejection turns into self sabotage
15:00 The X Factor!
17:15 Being cut because of weight gain
21:10 Validation addiction
27:05 Food & body image to self sabotage
36:30 Power in vulnerability
36:55 Sponsor
38:00 Why Raquelle went alcohol free
41:30 Going sober helped with grief
44:40 The spiritual journey
47:40 Answers come in silence and stillness
52:10 Championing young performers
55:50 What would you like written on your gravestone?
56:35 Advice for young Raquelle
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Website - www.raquellegracie.live
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School of Rock Bottom
10 years sober, I bring my experience as a rehab recovery coach & actor to explore addiction, alcoholism, recovery, mental health & the creative journey. Featured in The Week's Ultimate Podcast List of 2024, I know first-hand rock bottom moments can be the greatest teacher & a springboard for a beautiful life. Remember, you don’t have to lose everything or wait to hit 'bottom' to recover — it’s simply when you can't ignore the pain anymore. I share my journey & interview people who’ve survived & thrived through adversity, sharing hard-earned lessons to remind others there is hope & a way out.
- No. of episodes: 74
- Latest episode: 2025-05-12
- Health & Fitness Mental Health
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