In this exclusive interview for Society Living, Anastacia talks to Nicola McGeorge about her recovery from cancer and Crohn's disease, setting up the Anastacia Fund and what it was like to perform with the world's most famous divas.
How did you become involved with music?
I was going to the New York nightclubs in the late '80s, I loved to dance... and I eventually got asked to audition for a MTV show called Club MTV. This led to me being asked to be in a few music videos, followed by a producer asking if I could sing. However, my mom is a musical theatre-trained singer so I never thought my very different sounding voice would be appealing.
You are a superstar overseas, but not as big in the US. Why is this — are they mad?
LOL I have no idea why... I am deeply grateful for the acceptance and career that I have in Europe.
The highlight of you career?
Singing with Elton John at Madison Square Gardens.
You got your start when you performed in an MTV talent show. How do you feel about young new artists performing in shows like the X Factor? Do you have any advice for them?
I really can't imagine what it must be like to be swept up in the quick rise of stardom like today's competition participators find themselves in. I was almost 30 and had been singing and trying to land a "deal" for almost a decade. Perhaps the most important part of my own story I can offer is that I did not win The Cut. I was a runner-up; the stars can align for more than just the winner.
What are your latest recording release plans?
I am currently not on a label. In one way it is scary and in other ways I am wide open to work and record with anyone. l am happy to simply be touring and singing live to wonderful audiences at the moment.
Who would you like to work with?
Oh man, so many people! Hmm, Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Take That, Mary J Blige, Pink, Beyonce — to name a few.
What do you do in your free time?
Because my work takes me away from home. friends and family for long periods, I love hanging out at home and cooking for friends.
What songs are rocking your iPod right now?
I have such a wide range of music and it's always on shuffle, from Celine Dion to Jay Z to Pavarotti.
Did you enjoy working on Don't Stop Believing?
I cared for it! It was so much fun. My frienc and I have used the phrase, "I care for it for years... we use it for everything, good or bad. I see something I like and say. "I care for it"; or don't like something I tasted and I'll say, "I don't care for it The fact that the show picked up on this was hilarious and especially hearing people imitate howl say this phrase... funny, funny!
You performed in VH1's Divas Live. We are dying to know who was the biggest diva?
That was a huge honour for me. I sang with Celine Dion, which still feels like a dream. I didn't have any diva experiences in any negative way at all. I was in awe of the divalisciousness of these woman: Cher. Mary ) Blige, Celine, Shakira... OMG!!!
You have a huge gay fan base... why do you think you are so popular with them?
What a wonderful thing. I adore the gay community. I think that may be my only fan base in the US. I'm not sure why. but boy oh boy am I honoured by the support.
You dedicated your album to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes... what did she mean to you?
It was so sad when I heard about her death. TLC were such a mega force and yet sadly signed to a deal that left them the last people to see the money their success made. She seemed like a strong woman and was doing her best to branch out in a new untapped area of the competition show idea, and her willingness to risk it as a host gave me my career. I will always be grateful to her and she holds a place of inspiration when I face my own new directions in my career.
Tell us about the Here Come The Girls tour...
Well. I was lucky that Lulu. who was the mastermind behind this idea, thought I might be a good prospect. A very unique and risky project because it was kind of a hybrid concert idea: three woman from different decades coming together to sing a mixture of songs from the '50s till the present day. including a few of their own. Most songs are shared vocally by all three women so the audience got to enjoy the collaboration more than the solo nature of three different performers. I loved the concept and I did not hesitate when Lulu and Chaka Khan were slated to be part of this. We had a blast and I am thrilled that we have a chance to do another tour, and with a new addition — Heather Small replacing Chaka.
In October we dedicated the issue to breast cancer. This is something that has affected you personally...
I am happy to say that I am a survivor: cancer-free for over six years. I felt so lucky to have this diagnosis in the early stages. I didn't have more than a day before news broke in the press, so it kind of forced me to get educated and understand what I was facing very quickly and then take quick action to treat and fight it. I hope that my diagnosis. along with a few other well-known women, helps others facing this disease to not feel ashamed. Breasts are just as beautiful after cancer!
Your charity work is important to you and you have created the Anastacia Fund...
Estee Lauder have helped give me an umbrella fund which focuses on early detection and research in younger woman. I was 34 and many countries don't advise a mammogram till we are 40; my hope is this will change in time. I am also a Crohn's survivor. I was diagnosed at 14 and had 14 inches (35 centimetres) of my small intestine removed at that time. I worked with the UK Crohn's & Colitis organisation on the tour book on the last tour.
Which song changed your life and why?
I really don't have one song. Technically, my song I'm Outta Love changed my life the most.
Have you even been to Spain?
I've been to Spain many, many times — Barcelona and Madrid mostly.
You have a love of fashion... describe your style...
My style is a mix of hard and soft. I'll wear jeans and leather jackets and combine that with a frilly camisole, a silk scarf and sexy feminine pumps. I love Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson and Vivienne Westwood, and definitely love some of my favourite High Street shops: Warehouse, Top Shop, All Saints...
How do keep in shape?
I've been very lucky, I have good genetics and a pretty fast metabolism. But now that I am 42 I've found that my body needs to exercise and I eat more carefully. I do Hot Yoga and circuit training and cardio.
What are your favourite make-up products — any tips?
Estée Lauder make an incredible product called Double Wear: foundation, eye shadow, eye pencils, All are made to stay on even in the rain, and they are incredible....the make-up does not budge!
What inspires you?
My fans... their unconditional support and many of their personal life challenges that they have shared with me.
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Eeheh interessante, le piacerebbe lavorare con Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Take That, Mary J Blige, Pink, Beyonce...chissà magari un giorno!!
Qui trovate le foto e l'intervista sul giornale!
Thanks to AnastaciaDreams
Andrea
