You’re 15 years old and already on your second album. How did it all happen so quickly?
Amy Winehouse is my godmother and she signed me at the age of 12. I did my first album, which was all Motown covers, at 13. Then I got told I was doing a second album and I wanted to make it a bit more modern. I saw a lot of things in that time, so I had a lot to write about. It was all done by the time I was 14.
How much has your life changed now that you’re famous?
Ooh, a lot! Not only do I get recognised all the time but I get invited to more events, and people appreciate the stuff I do. It’s strange, because in one sense I’m like, “Oh, my God, I’m on telly”, but at the same time I didn’t realise that it’s not all about the glamour; you have to work that hard to achieve where you are.
Is Amy Winehouse a good godmother? Has she always remembered your birthday?
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She’s really good. She taught me to play guitar, and on my 14th birthday she threw me a surprise party. Not only is she my godmother, she’s also my boss, which is kind of scary but kind of good, because if I feel like a certain thing isn’t that good then I can tell her and not feel weird about it. She gives me good advice — she has always said: “Make sure you write your own stuff.”
You’re still at school. How are your GCSEs going, and what are your best and worst subjects?
I’ve got five exams tomorrow, actually, and I’m feeling a little bit nervous because I haven’t done enough revision for them — I’ll definitely work tonight. My best subject is maths; the worst has to be English.
Where do you live and who with?
I live in Chislehurst, Kent, with my mum — I’m an only child.
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Who is the nicest young star you’ve met so far?
Probably Justin Bieber. I really like him. He told me: “Never say never.” Actually, that’s kind of cheesy because that’s the name of his film, but it was just nice to speak to a teen who has been through what I’m going through right now. It was like, “Wow, he’s just a normal boy like me and everyone I go to school with.”
What is the most overused phrase in your vocabulary?
Probably “I’m joking.” It annoys me every time I say it, which is all the time.
What’s your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?
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These pink heels with a bow and polka dots, which I got in the Topshop sale.
Tell us a secret.
I used to be more into sports than singing. I wanted to be a sportswoman, playing tennis at Wimbledon, for example, but now I hate it.
Dionne’s album Good for the Soul is out now on Island Records