I can really do that anywhere. When we produced the album in Sweden, I sat down in an empty café, drank a Diet Coke, put on my headphones and wrote some music. When I looked up again, the place was suddenly packed. I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't even notice.
How long were you in Sweden?
For four months at a time. I was on tour at the same time and therefore only had limited time to produce the album. I've never worked like that before, it was probably the most difficult thing I've ever done. And I probably wouldn't do it again.
Why?
The pressure was far too great. I knew the album had to be released on September 15th and we had April, so only one summer in between. That's why we were stressed. But hey, I coped with it all!
You have also beaten breast cancer twice. What did you take away from this time?
The first time, I was amazed because no one in my family had ever had breast cancer before. Seventy percent of all cancers are not genetic. That surprised me because doctors always ask if there is a family history of cancer. The doctors couldn't give me a cause, not food, not stress or bad air - and yet everything contributes to it. I just want women to know about this 70 percent statistic and get tested early enough. The best thing for me was that I was diagnosed early enough.
How did those around you react during your illness?
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time and knew that I was going to have a double mastectomy, I asked my sister to document everything with film and photos. Even when I asked her not to document. And when I came out of the waiting room, she realized she couldn't do it. It was too difficult for her to see me like that. Until then, I hadn't realized how difficult the illness was for those around me. And my family is happy that I no longer have to have operations at Christmas, because that's the only time of year when I have time (laughs).
You'll be 50 next year and you look much younger!
That's also the reason why the record company made me look ten years younger when I started out. I've always looked younger and always had a younger personality.
Nevertheless, you had Botox as a 30-year-old.
Yes, I was too enthusiastic about it. I was paranoid about how I looked on TV. But at some point I no longer recognized myself when I could no longer move my face.
How many pairs of sunglasses do you have?
I have no idea. It's an addiction. I decide every day whether to wear sunglasses. I've had my eyes lasered and can now decide very spontaneously whether to wear them or not. But I miss them when I don't have them. That's why I can't do without them.
You are often in Switzerland. What was your best experience here?
I went ice skating here around 2004. That was great because
everyone looks the same in their clothes. I really liked it because I could remain unrecognized. It was a great day.
You have already sung with the Swiss ESC winner Céline Dion.
Exactly! What, she won the Eurovision Song Contest? I didn't know that! Very cool!
Exactly, in 1988. How did your duet come about?
She's a very funny and nice person. She had asked Cher and other musicians on the "Divas Las Vegas" show if they wanted to sing "You Shook Me All Night Long" with her, but they all turned her down. But I really wanted to do it because I thought it was a very clever idea. I later released an album of classic rock song covers.
You have appeared on many German TV shows. That must have brought you into contact with Schlager.
Yes! I really like Helene Fischer, she's very good. Her songs are catchy, she reminds me a bit of a country Céline Dion. I have a better impression of Helene than of the pop music you normally hear in bars. I don't want to be disrespectful, but as a musician I can identify with her hooks and melodies.
Have you ever met her?
No, unfortunately not yet. She's great. So Helene! Check me out! Write to me on Instagram!
Your worst quality?
I drink far too much Diet Coke. It's not healthy. But I don't do it every day, I just haven't been able to give it up completely.
You said that you could leave the USA because of Trump.
If our rights are taken and violated and I don't understand why I still live there at all, then sure. Nothing has been decided at the moment, you only ever hear hot air from Trump. But it's certainly no fun listening to him and it's embarrassing as an American. He always says he's the representative of the free world, but he's more of a puppet, I don't take him seriously. Even the Senate and Congress don't wave his petitions through because Trump doesn't think things through. I don't want us to be attacked by other states at some point because Trump needs to get rid of his aggression on Twitter. At three o'clock in the morning. In the restroom.
ANASTACIA
Wed May 2, 2018, Volkshaus Zurich
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