LeAnn Rimes opened up about 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 issue Stellar Magazine that when she moved from country music to pop music and started expressing herself in a more feminine way, she faced a lot of judgment.
“I don’t think people allowed me to grow up until I was 30,” LeAnn explained to the publication.
“In this industry, people love to put you in a box because it’s easier for them to sell. But I don’t really understand how anyone can ask a 13-year-old girl to stay in a lane — especially someone like me, who is America’s sweetheart in a way.”
The singer continued, “People just want to keep you stuck at that age. They don’t want you to grow and they don’t want to see you change. But part of growing up as a woman is exploring our sexuality.”
LeAnn explained that while she remains rebellious, criticism can sometimes get to her.
“You have to care and not care at all in the same breath. I think we can all be very critical of ourselves as women, no matter what. 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 grace these days to just go with what life offers.”
LeAnn Rimes (pictured) has shared how she struggled with 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 earlier this year, following a major show change.
The country star is one of three new faces joining as a mentor, with only Guy Sebastian from the previous line-up returning.
Last year Guy, 42, was joined by Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo in the iconic red chairs, but Seven has recruited a number of new coaches this year.
LeAnn is 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, honestly,” LeAnn explained. Pictured in 2002
“In this industry, people like to put you in a box because it’s easier for them to sell. But I don’t really understand how anyone can ask a 13-year-old girl to stay in a lane — especially someone like me, who is America’s sweetheart in a way,” she added. Pictured in 2010
When LeAnn Rimes joined the panel, she said, “I feel incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to coach on The Voice.
“This special opportunity to discover and mentor new voices across Australia is a reflection of the love and support I have received from my Australian fans throughout my career.
‘I look forward to returning the love, sharing my experiences and listening to new, promising talent.’
LeAnn, real name Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, has had more than 40 hit singles since rising to fame as a country star at age 13 with her 1996 single “Blue.”
LeAnn has collaborated with big names such as Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joss Stone and has sold over 48 million copies worldwide.
Read more in this week’s issue of Stellar Magazine