Why X Factor's Nat For Me
August 28, 2007
In an exclusive chat, the feisty Aussie star
poured scorn on those who clamour for fame at any price. “A lot of people would
say, ‘I’ll do anything for success’, and those are the people who end up on TV
talent shows,” she says. “I’d prefer to sink in my own ship – even if it’s the
wrong decision.”
Nat – who celebrates a decade in the music biz with the release of Glorious:
The Singles Collection next month – obviously got it right.
But the brunette beauty has had to fight to stay in control of her career.
She says: “I was brought up with a good work ethic so I don’t give up easily.
“Record companies are notoriously bad for putting pressure on young pop artists.
They tried it with me and it makes you unpopular if you refuse.
“But I wasn’t obsessed with topping the charts every time. I wanted to learn how
to write songs properly.”
The determined 33-year-old singer is prepared to fight her corner even if it
lands her in hot water with her employers.
She says: “I spent last year making my fourth album and I was really excited by
it.
“Then the label told me they wanted to put out a hits collection, so I was like,
‘Are you mad? I’ve just made a record’.”
The former Neighbours cutie eventually caved in when she was allowed to include
five new tracks on the compilation.
“I refuse to be bullied,” she says. “But I accepted on the condition that new
material was on it. It’s actually a nice little teaser for what’s to come.”
Despite the success, Natalie won’t be throwing a party.
She says: “I’ll leave that to Kylie, who’s had 20 years in pop. Now that
deserves a celebration. If I make it to 20 years
I’ll definitely party and enjoy the hangover.”
The single Torn catapulted Natalie to international stardom, but overnight
success caused problems.
She says: “Following that up was very hard, which is why I took four years to
write my next album and it was really dark.
“But Torn bought me my house and it touched so many people. I wouldn’t change
that.”
Despite her musical success, Nat hasn’t lost her taste for acting. She’s had one
major role – with Rowan Atkinson, 52, in the 2003 flick Johnny English – but
worries she’s lost her touch.
She says: “I’ve done one movie in 10 years and no TV since Neighbours. I really
want to do film. But I have no idea if I’m a good actress any more.”
However 10 years of being top of the charts seems to have mellowed the singer
once famous for baring her soul on record.
She says: “I’ve chilled out a lot – maybe it’s just age. And I don’t feel I
have to prove myself any more. I just want to have fun – no more introspection.”
Glorious: The Singles Collection is released on September 10.
Daily Star