Anne-Marie (27) is the shooting star of the pop world. After collaborations with David Guetta, Clean Bandit ("Rockabye Baby") and others, she went on a world tour with her "best friend" Ed Sheeran in the summer - and also came to Zurich with him in the summer, where we met her.
event: Anne-Marie, yesterday you played with Ed Sheeran at Letzigrund, and on May 2 next year you'll be coming to Zurich with your own show. How do you like it here?
Anne-Marie: I haven't seen much of Switzerland yet - no time! But the people here are very welcoming to me. Although I played in a big stadium, the contact with the audience was very close.
You are now close friends with Ed. You have a tattoo of each other's pet name on your upper arm ("Mug" - that's what they call each other, editor's note). How did you get to know Ed?
I was in the studio when someone burst in and said: "Come upstairs, someone wants to meet you." Elton John and Ed Sheeran were waiting for me! Later, Ed and I were in Paris together, spent whole nights out in clubs and had a lot of fun. We've been friends ever since.
Does Ed Sheeran give you career advice?
He reminds me to work hard - and with his composure, he's a role model for me.
Do you really write all your songs yourself?
There's no other way. I have to be one hundred percent behind everything and understand what I'm singing, otherwise I wouldn't be able to convey it convincingly.
Is it true that the songs are always about you?
Exactly, and that's why everyone knows everything about me now.
Don't you have any secrets?
Why should I, I'm a very open person! And if I'm always honest, I have nothing to fear.
Aren't you afraid of being nastily attacked on social media?
My fans and followers are kind and benevolent. I enjoy reading their comments and it always makes me very happy - I go on social media to feel good about myself.
Has it always been your dream to become a pop star?
Yes, it always has been. But I never thought it was possible that I would achieve it.
You're already doubly famous: you've already won two gold medals at the Shotokan Karate World Championships. People can even book karate lessons with you on a website. As a martial artist, do you even need a bodyguard?
The sport gives me a lot of security, but luckily I've never had to use my skills.
What do your tattoos mean?
I have words like "Forgiveness", "Confidence", "Think Twice" and "Speak Your Mind" (also the title of her last album). They constantly remind me of what is important in life.
Do you live consciously - and healthily?
Yes, I haven't eaten meat for a while now. It's amazing how much more energy I have since then.
You work hard for your career - do you really feel comfortable in show business?
I'm a control freak! I can't always do everything myself. But I find it difficult to give up control and don't like it when others decide about me and my career. I still have to learn that.
Will we be hearing new songs from you in May?
Definitely. I write songs every day! Even now when I'm on tour - and
my band supports me.
Anne-Marie
02.05.2019, Hall 622, Zurich Oerlikon
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