Pre Inspired by the tragic loss of my best friend and his father in a fatal car accident when I was 16 years old, the song Dreams served as a source of solace and understanding during a difficult time. I am curious, what inspired you to create this meaningful piece?
I wrote a poem reflecting on my journey towards pursuing my dream of singing and songwriting. It seemed that every time I made progress, my dreams would slip further away. I faced discouragement from others, such as someone telling me I would never amount to anything while singing covers at a club, or someone commenting on my middle name not being fitting for a stage name. Additionally, people doubted my potential as a star because of my “lazy” eyelid. Ultimately, it came down to a battle between believing in myself or giving in to the negativity of others. While it saddens me to hear of your experiences, I am grateful that you were able to find some form of comfort in the song.
The track “Rise” and the entire album were incredibly uplifting and helped me during a difficult time. What was your inspiration for it? ddhillon365
My life was in shambles after a widely-publicized event that caused me to go missing for a period of time. The song I wrote was about moving on from that past and returning to the industry. It expresses a message of hope and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, sung by someone who has survived and overcome. When I perform it now, it’s almost as if it’s not about me, because I can hardly believe I was in that situation. The song was a collaboration with Ferdy Unger-Hamilton and Ollie Dagois, with Ferdy being a big admirer of Bob Dylan and incorporating music from “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Unbeknownst to me, the song was sent to Dylan himself, who loved it. I am forever grateful and proud that such a musical legend granted us permission to use his work, as we did not plagiarize it and aimed to do it justice. Fortunately, I did not receive any angry letters questioning what we had done to Bob.
Did your music collection include the album “Rise” and its powerful song “Over You” during your first heartbreak? Did any other albums or songs touch or motivate you? cherylgriffin
I repeatedly listened to the song “White Ladder” by David Gray for weeks, and even months, after a break-up. It was very helpful to me. I am a big admirer of his and had the opportunity to meet him. Without being too obsessive, I just wanted to hold his hand and express how pleased I was to meet him.
Is it true that you once turned down the opportunity to perform on stage with Prince? VerulamiumParkRanger
I was too scared to do it. This happened in Abu Dhabi while I was next to the stage with Nicole Scherzinger. He asked us to join him to sing and dance during one of his songs, but I was too mesmerized by him and his beautiful talents and couldn’t bring myself to do it because of my own insecurities. Looking back, I regret not taking that chance, but I know some opportunities only come once in a lifetime. I did, however, attend a couple of his parties, one that very night and one in the US. After all, he was Prince.
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You were brilliant on The Masked Singer. How much were you involved in the process of designing the Harlequin costume? Yoshi2010
When asked to participate, it entailed various attire and roles. If an option involved pants or a tight body suit, that was not an option for me, so I opted to play Harlequin. While I did not have full control over the design, I was able to provide feedback. I even had a corset custom-made and wore a mask. However, I experienced difficulties when trying to sing in the mask and felt overwhelmed due to my age and hot flashes. It was my first panic attack. After some adjustments, I was able to enjoy the experience. I also appreciate that it introduced me to a younger audience. Surprisingly, I learned that Joss Stone also participated while pregnant and did not complain.
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Were you anxious about not being in the public eye after experiencing success as a new artist until Give Me a Little More Time?
After my first album, I became a mother and was apprehensive about my comeback as an artist. As a musician, you always have doubts when it comes to releasing new music. I didn’t fully realize that taking a break would mean having to compete with new music from other artists. Thankfully, it all worked out, but I’m sure it caused some stress for my label executives.
What did you do while you were away from the spotlight again? dfyorkie
I had spent so much time away from my two children that I began to wonder if they even recognized me as their mother. Therefore, in 2007, I decided to take an 11-year break. As my children grew older, I felt prepared and welcomed the opportunity to return. Since then, I have been able to appreciate touring and other experiences from a new perspective, instead of constantly worrying as a mother.
During your collaboration with the music group East 17 on the song “If You Ever”, did you find them to be well-behaved or was it chaotic? The song title is also quite memorable.
I have no complaints about those boys. They were all well-behaved gentlemen, including Brian, Tony, John, and Terry. If there was any trouble, I was not involved.
What recollections do you have of encountering Nelson Mandela? VerulamiumParkRanger
I was filled with joy when I attended the Labour party conference in Brighton and met a man who had been imprisoned for his stance against apartheid. Despite this, he remained forgiving and fought for a better future for his country. I tried to remain composed, but inside I couldn’t believe that I had the opportunity to meet him. Even looking at the photo now, I can’t believe I actually got to meet him.
Who would you choose to sing a duet with and why? cherylgriffin
I don’t work with loads of other people but on my new album, A Place in Your Heart, I have just worked with Mahalia. I met her when we opened for Adele and she was on the bill. She’s amazing and if you hear her voice, you have to shut up and listen.
Were your dreams fulfilled? LintonTravelTavern
I agree. As a child, when we used to sign each other’s yearbooks, someone wrote, “I hope to see you on Top of the Pops.” At the time, it seemed like an unachievable dream. But now, in my 50s, I am still pursuing my passion. My dreams have indeed become a reality and they are still coming true.
Source: theguardian.com
