Singer-songwriter Anne-Marie may have given birth to her first baby back in March, but the Essex pop princess is already back on stage, having just performed to a huge crowd of adoring fans at Glastonbury festival. The 33 year old, who welcomed her little girl, Seven, with her rapper partner Slowthai in March, tells us that being on stage is her ‘happy place.’
But she admits it’s more of a juggling act now that she has to balance being a superstar and life with a newborn. Luckily, she tells us she’s been blessed with the “best baby possible” who, just like her mum, can’t get enough of music. Asking her how she is managing to juggle it all since welcoming her little one, she giggles, “I have no idea,” before confessing that she’s had to take a lot of time over the last couple of months ‘learning’ the ropes of motherhood.
“Every day is different and every day I am learning something new. Before the festivals started this year I was just at home learning everything, but now I am going on the road and adjusting to that,” she says.
Luckily, Seven is already following in her mum’s footsteps, as Anne-Marie tells us she’s showing an interest in music. It’s part of the reason the singer has been able to dive headfirst back into festival season, with Glastonbury and BST Hyde Park. “A couple of years ago I did Pyramid Stage [at Glastonbury] and last year I went on with [rapper] Aitch for just one song. So it was good to actually go back and do a full set. I was so excited; it’s my favourite place ever.”
Of motherhood, she adds, “I think I am learning that every day is different and trying to go with the flow. It is mad, but I think I’ve been blessed with an amazing baby. She loves music, she loves noise, she loves sleep, and she loves food. So I’ve pretty much been given the best baby possible for the life that I live. It would be pretty bad if she didn’t like music!”
And just like any new parent, Anne-Marie finds it hard to leave her little one for work. When we ask her if she misses Seven while on stage, she says, “Yeah, I always do, even when she’s sleeping.” But at the same time, her bundle of joy is inspiring her to make her shows even more electric. “I’ll think of her though and that will make me do even better.”
And it’s not just performing to thousands and raising her little one that’s keeping the Rockabye hitmaker busy as she also teamed up with Volvic to launch a competition to find the UK’s next rising star to perform alongside her at London’s BST Hyde Park festival. Discovering and nurturing new talent is something Anne-Marie tells us is important to her and the driving force behind her decision to join The Voice UK in 2021 alongside Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, and will.i.am.
“I think I just love hearing talented people,” says the star, who was confirmed in February for this year's panel. “I think the world is a big place and there are a lot of talented people in there that sometimes haven’t been heard. I want to be able to hear as many as possible and be able to give them the platform to be heard by more people. “That’s why I love doing The Voice so much. I think it’s important to lift people up and let them be heard.”
And if there is one person who is perfect to offer advice to emerging artists it’s Anne-Marie, having released three studio albums, with records Therapy and Unhealthy peaking at number two in the chart. She’s also bagged an impressive 10 Brit Awards nominations as well as a nomination for a Billboard Music Award and a Grammy Award.
Thanks to Anne-Marie’s talent search, singer Grace, 27, was crowned the winner from a public vote and will perform on July 7 on The Birdcage Stage ahead of legendary Canadian performer Shania Twain. Grace, who finished as runner-up on The X Factor in 2017, impressed both the panel of judges and the public with her stunning vocals and said she is “ecstatic” to be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support Shania Twain and Anne-Marie.
“It’s important because, like I said, the world is so big and sometimes when you are unknown or just starting out it seems impossible. You’re on the apps and making videos or you’re singing and you sometimes feel stuck,” she says. “Stuff like this, if it’s available and is something you are able to get involved with, it’s so exciting for someone.
"Especially if they have been trying for a long time and never thought they would ever be able to even get a foot in. “She’s had a couple of songs out, she’s fun. I am definitely excited to introduce her and hear her sing. I love watching people perform.”
Volvic is an official partner of American Express presents BST Hyde Park this summer and joined forces with Anne-Marie to search for the UK’s best new emerging arts to perform on the Birdcage Stage presented by Volvic. Volvic is bringing summer beyond your expectations by supporting artists in the industry and helping festivalgoers stay refreshed with the new Touch of Sparkling range.
