Pixie Lott has forgotten which country she is in. In the past few weeks, the 18-year-old pop star has jetted in and out of so many nations that when she calls from a service station, she can’t remember whether she is in Germany or Belgium. “It has been pretty crazy,” she chirps. “I’ve been all over Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand. I’ve always wanted to do this — to sing — but I never realised how much travelling was involved.”
It has been quite a year for Pixie, born Victoria Lott in Bromley, southeast London. This summer her debut single Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh) went straight to No 1 and suddenly she was the name on everyone’s lips. She has since had another No 1, a smash hit album, played to thousands at Britain’s coolest festivals and become a style icon thanks to a pair of sequined hotpants. Now she is the face of the new Nokia Illuvial phones, too.
It all started when Lott skipped off school for a day to meet the people from a record label and sing for them. “I went back to school that afternoon and felt so excited but I didn’t want to tell anyone until it was definitely confirmed,” she says. “All my friends were wondering why I looked like I’d had my make-up done professionally!”
Lott has been singing and dancing since she was a little girl, but she admits that it took her some time to get used to fame.
“When my first single came out, I’d look out of my bedroom window and see photographers there and it was quite full-on. People just turn up when I’m trying to chill out — and there are some fans who turn up everywhere I go. But you just have to accept it. Sometimes I wish I could have a bit longer in bed or have more time with my friends, but it all pays off when I’m on stage with my live band.”
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Bursting into the charts has also given Lott the opportunity to rub shoulders with some big stars. One of her highlights of 2009 has been meeting Lionel Richie, one of her idols. “He was just really nice and a real professional,” she says.
There have even been rumours that Lott is dating Danny Jones of McFly, but she insists that they are just friends: “We are not dating.”
Despite the lure of a celebrity lifestyle, Lott says that she would always rather hang out with her old friends from home, go to the cinema and eat her favourite food — Nando’s.
“I love performing and touring but I do miss home,” she says. “Sometimes I just can’t wait to get into my bed!”