LeAnn Rimes has shared how she struggled with the pressure of public expectations while growing up in the spotlight.
The 41-year-old American singer tells in this week’s edition of Star Magazine That when she moved from country music to pop and began to express herself in more feminine ways, she faced a lot of judgment.
“I don’t think people, honestly, until I was in my 30s would allow me to grow up,” LeAnn explained to the publication.
“In this industry, people like to pigeonhole you because it makes it easier for them to sell. But basically, I don’t know how anyone could ask a 13-year-old girl to stay in one lane, and especially someone like me, who is, in a way, kind of America’s sweetheart.”
The singer continued: “People just want you to stay stuck at that age. They don’t want you to grow or change. But part of growing as a woman is exploring our sexuality.”
LeAnn went on to explain that while she remains defiant, sometimes criticism can get to her.
“You have to be worried and not worried at all at the same time. I think we can all be very critical of ourselves as women anyway. It’s easy to do that,” she said.
“I have great days where I feel amazing and other days where I feel bloated and gross. I really give myself a lot more freedom these days to adapt to what life throws at me.”
LeAnn Rimes (pictured) has shared how she battled the pressure of public expectations while growing up in the spotlight.
The Grammy Award-winning singer was confirmed as the newest member of The Voice Australia’s coaching panel in a major shake-up of the show earlier this year.
The country music star is one of three new faces joining as mentors, with only Guy Sebastian returning from the previous line-up.
Last year, Guy, 42, was joined by Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo in the iconic red chairs, but Seven has recruited a host of new coaches this year.
LeAnn will be joined on the coaching panel by Grammy-nominated singer Adam Lambert, Australian songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and returning mentor Guy.
“I don’t think people allowed me to grow up until I was 30,” LeAnn explained. Photographed in 2002.
“In this industry, people like to pigeonhole you because it makes it easier for them to sell. But basically, I don’t know how anyone could ask a 13-year-old girl to stay in one lane, and especially someone like me, who is kind of America’s sweetheart, in a way,” she added. Photographed in 2010
Joining the panel, LeAnn Rimes said: ‘I am incredibly honoured and excited to take on the opportunity to coach on The Voice.
‘This special opportunity to mentor and discover new voices across Australia is a reflection of the love and support I have received from my Australian fans throughout my career.
‘I hope to be able to return the love, share my experiences and listen to new and promising talents.’
LeAnn, whose real name is Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, has had more than 40 chart-topping singles since she rose to fame as a country music star at the age of 13 with her 1996 single Blue.
LeAnn has collaborated with A-list names including Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joss Stone and has sold over 48 million units worldwide.
Read more in this week’s issue of Stellar Magazine