Rebecca Ferguson has revealed that she didn’t feel ‘physically’ ready to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest so soon after giving birth.
The singer, 36, – who welcomed her fourth child in February – took the stage in Liverpool during the semi-final as she belted out all of her hits to an adoring audience.
But now, in an exclusive chat with MailOnline, Rebecca has shared how she hesitated to get back on stage so soon after giving birth to her little one – whose name and gender have not been revealed.
She said, “Physically I didn’t feel ready. I just had a baby, I haven’t been on a diet. In fact, I can’t diet because I’m breastfeeding.
“Normally I wouldn’t have done it. I had to ask myself ‘am I physically ready?’ But then I thought, ‘actually I’m a mom, I’m breastfeeding and I can do it!’
Difficult: Rebecca Ferguson has revealed she didn’t feel ‘physically’ ready to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest so soon after giving birth
Mum: The singer, 36, who welcomed her fourth child in February, took the stage in Liverpool during the semi-final as she belted out all her hits to adoring crowds
She also rehearsed for Eurovision while breastfeeding: ‘I’m normally critical of myself, but I’ve been practicing so much – breastfeeding, singing, breastfeeding, singing – that was my preparation. When I came off the podium I knew I had done my best.’
She also rehearsed for Eurovision while breastfeeding, explaining: ‘I’m normally critical of myself, but I’ve been practicing so much – breastfeeding, singing, breastfeeding, singing – that was my preparation.
“When I came off the podium I knew I had done my best.”
‘I was tired. I breastfed the baby between rehearsals and interviews. Hormonally when I had to leave him I was like ‘where’s my baby?’
“But I was also very aware that I had to deliver a great performance.”
Rebecca stood out on Tuesday when she delivered a great performance during the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The star looked nothing short of sensational in a voluminous orange dress with ruffles.
The incredible dress was made of layers of tulle and boasted a long train that flowed onto the stage behind her.
Brave: But now, in an exclusive chat with MailOnline, Rebecca has shared how she hesitated to get back on stage so soon after having her little one – whose name and gender have not been revealed
Sensational: Rebecca attracted attention on Tuesday when she delivered a great performance during the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest
Congratulations: The former X Factor star and husband Jonny Hughes announced the arrival of their first child together in February, who was born on Valentine’s Day
Rebecca wore a pair of sparkling jewel-encrusted earrings and added several gold rings.
Her raven locks were swept off her face in a high ponytail as she showed off her vocal talents.
The X Factor star completed her eye-catching look with a full face of glamorous make-up and a slick lip gloss.
Ireland, Malta, Latvia, the Netherlands and Azerbaijan are out of the running for Eurovision 2023.
On Tuesday evening, 15 countries performed at the M&S Bank arena in part one of two semi-finals for a chance to qualify for Saturday’s grand final.
Ten acts made it with the Finnish favorite Kaarija and the Swedish former winner Loreen, who triumphed in 2012 with her hit Euphoria, also secured a place.
Presented by Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina, the stadium was lit up by a series of wacky, moving and colorful acts, while King Charles, Queen Camilla and the late Paul O’Grady starred in an opening video to kick off the show .
The ten acts that made it were; Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czech Republic, Israel, Sweden, Serbia, Portugal and Norway.
In a rule change this year, the decision on who advances is entirely up to the public, with national juries having their say during Saturday’s final.
31 countries will compete in two semi-finals, 10 of which will advance to the grand final.
Last year’s winner, Ukraine, automatically advanced to the grand final, along with the big five, consisting of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
Romance: The couple married in December last year at her ‘dream wedding venue’ in London’s posh Mayfair district, after seven years of dating
This year’s grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest has the royal seal of approval.
On a visit to the venue, the Liverpool Arena, the King told British contestant Mae Muller that he would ‘watch with great interest’ and ‘prod her on’. ‘Thank you. No pressure,” she joked.
At last year’s contest, held in Italy, the UK had their strongest entry in years with Sam Ryder’s Space Man, but no one begrudged the Ukrainians their victory with Kalush Orchestra’s exuberant Stefania.
For the big closing commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Graham Norton and comedian Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the commentary box to give viewers at home their unique and expert opinion on the acts of 2023.