Leann Rimes - Pop/country star

By: Dominick A. Miserandino

Leann Rimes has learned a lot over the years. Now she’s talking about what she’s learned from being in the spotlight.


DM) Most of the articles I’ve read about you seem to talk about your recent release as “Leann going from a girl to a woman.” How do you see it?

LR) (Laughs) Yep, I’ve seen that. I see it as something that’s naturally happening. Titling the album, “This Woman” was coming from a song title, “When This Woman Loves a Man.” I thought it described where I was at in my life, and I didn’t think everybody would take it so literally, as if I was making such a big statement. I was just saying that this is exactly who I am at this moment in my life, and I have changed so much. Now being a woman has affected my writing and my abilities in music. Things have changed, and it just happens naturally. I’m not forcing it to.

DM) Knowing that people are watching you so closely, does that increase your pressure and make you act differently?

LR) For me, it’s great. I’ve grown up so much as a person and an artist. I think this is the most positive time as an artist… ever. It’s not pressure; it’s a sigh of relief. I’ve made a record, and every one has grown. I see this as a really positive time in your life.

DM) You said, positive time in your life. How is this one of the more positive times in your life?

LR) I’m happily married, I have a wonderful set of friends and family, and artistically it’s really coming together for me. I’m really growing, and I don’t’ even know where it’s going. Artistically, I feel I could have only wished and dreamed of how this album turned out. I’m interested in seeing how it turns out next. I’m learning every day and seeing where this album will take a different turn. My artistic side is really growing.

DM) How have you seen the artistic growth?

LR) I’m really a lot more confident. Hosting Nashville Star is something I wouldn’t have done a few years ago. Writing my own music and being so confident in my writing is great. My voice has changed, and I feel like I’m more of an entertainer. I’m letting them know more about the person than just the voice. I’m an adult now, and I’m making my own decisions. It’s cool to let people know that side of me.

DM) You have Nashville Star, you have a book, you seem to have a lot going on.

LR) I do. Nashville Star is on a break, we have the book which might turn into an animated series. I’m on the Treat Eczema Now campaign which is the first time I’m talking about something so personal time to me. I feel very strongly about it. Each shows a very private side of me.

DM) Eczema for example is a very private side of anyone. Being so public does it get difficult to talk about?

LR) It’s something I’ve been hiding for so long, it’s a weight off of my shoulders. I find that it’s harder to put in the energy to hide it than to talk about it. I have my disease under control, but knowing that I have it under control and being comfortable in my own skin to talk about it, is something that makes me really happy. I’m telling my story to use my celebrity for good. There is a way to feel more confident in your own skin.

DM) Earlier you mentioned the friends family and marriage, but doesn’t the busy schedule have an impact on that?

LR) Well, my husband travels with me, and I’m really so blessed to be able to have him be on tour with me. I talk to my family and friends as much as possible on the phone. It takes a certain type of person to understand what I go through and to deal with my kind of lifestyle. Sometimes I’m with friends and family a lot for a couple of months at time, and then I won’t see them for months at a time. I try to learn every day how to take care of myself and fill blocks of time with my friends, family and life.

DM) Is it something that you’ve learned over the years-- how to balance better?

LR) Yes, but its’ also something I’m still learning a lot about. There are times that I have to prioritize business over friends, but friends and family are the priority. I love both sides, but my happiest movements are way from my business and are with my family. I like to keep my business separate from my friends and family as it’s really good for my sanity. It’s good for anybody’s sanity. I’ve never known much of a private life, but there’s certain things that people will never know about me. And that’s a good thing. I keep certain things private, and other things I talk about. I just try to take control over that balance.

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