Jessie J admits she wouldn’t enter The Voice herself in years to come. Speaking exclusively to Company magazine, she reveals:
“… I wouldn’t enter [the show] myself in 20 years’ time. I feel like I’ve worked hard enough to stay here, even if I end up behind closed doors doing make-up. I’ll always be around.”
She comments that the show has been daunting at times, but it’s not the sole focus of her life:
“I was first to sign up because I was totally up for it. But when Tom said he waited until he knew the line-up, I thought I should have, too. It’s been scary at times but it’s one thing in my life, not the only thing. My second album is my focus.”
Discussing her role on the show further, Jessie is determined to teach her acts that being in the music industry is far from easy:
“I want to teach my acts that it’s about sacrifice – it isn’t easy. It’s about staying in to avoid losing your voice shouting over music in clubs. It’s about understanding you’ll miss family events and won’t be able to eat the cake you want on your birthday. You’ll doubt yourself, lose your voice and people will tweet horrible things. But I’ll be there for them.”
If she were a contestant, she’d pick will.i.am:
“... because of the opportunities he has in his pocket. He knows a lot of artists I listened to growing up, he’s fun and he’d understand the music I want to make.”
Known for her unique style, Jessie confesses it’s time to grow up and evolve:
“I’m just growing up! I won’t lie, when you’re first bringing out music and you want people to notice, you probably overdo it, especially as a girl. But I started looking at photos and thinking, “Jess, it’s too much – the outfits, the hair”. I became a bit of a cartoon. I just wanted to tone it down. Plus, nude lipstick doesn’t come off on your teeth.”
“TheMystic Meg hair was my comfort blanket. But as you start seeing pictures of yourself at every angle you realise it’s about taking risks if you want your style to evolve.”
Like everyone, Jessie has her own image hang-ups:
“… I hated my teeth at the [BRITs 2011] launch party – I can’t even look at the pictures, they’re so minging, like baby sweetcorn! So when I got to number one, I had them whitened.
She’s determined to remain true to herself. As for criticism, bring it!
“I’d hate it if everyone in the world liked me, my music and what I wore. It’d make it boring and I wouldn’t have anything to work towards. It’s not to everyone’s taste but I can only be me.”
“The bisexual label irritates me. They’d never write “Adele – the straight singer”, but that’s how the world works. The only thing I want to be defined by is my music and personality. Plus, at the moment I’m single. The Tinie rumours aren’t true!”
What would she look for in a future partner?
“My sister brought a boyfriend home once and my mum pointed out he hadn’t ironed his shirt. That stayed with me. I like clean fingernails, nice teeth and anyone who looks after their feet. So they’d definitely have to care about fashion. It’s important to give a shit about how you look.”
As for being a role model herself:
“… I’m not going to live my life safe. I will have a drink and go out with people that some think aren’t right for me. But I’ve been too well brought up to let my mum and dad down.”
The full interview appears in the June issue of Company, on sale 11th May.
