Rita Ora: “I Lived With Constant Anxiety”…After Being Signed By Jay-Z At 18!!!’ 

In a candid conversation, the world-famous Albanian singer Rita Ora confesses in the podcast with Steven Bartlett the dark side of success, filled with anxiety, fear, panic attacks and self-doubt.

“Don’t believe every promise people tell you. I was living my dream and then I’d wake up and be silent and it wouldn’t feel right. It was always that feeling of having to work hard to prove myself . I was a naïve dreamer and I think that’s what you have to be at that age. Jay-Z hired me as a backup singer after my first album and my life changed overnight. I was looking for things in the wrong places and I ended up in a rebel. I was eating very badly, drinking and from the pressure of the media I was experiencing terrible panic attacks.

I was 18 and moved from London to Brooklyn. I went from sharing a room with my sister to having my own apartment in Brooklyn overnight. The advice I would have known at that moment was don’t believe everything people say. I wanted people to love me as a person and then love me for music and acting,” says Rita.

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when a renowned artist visited the studio where I was recording. I had lent my vocals to a demo for a song that needed a singer, and the producer, who owned the studio, collaborated with various musicians and producers. As the music circulated, people inquired about the vocalist, and it turned out to be me.

This caught the attention of Jay Brown, associated with Jay-Z, marking the beginning of my journey with Roc Nation. Things moved quickly – I was flown out, attended events, and signed with Roc Nation, all within a short span. I was just 18 years old at the time, and it was both thrilling and daunting. I remember feeling exhausted after flying from London, but the excitement overshadowed the fatigue.

Following the signing, I relocated to Brooklyn, transitioning from sharing a room with my sister to having my own apartment overnight. It was a whirlwind experience. Looking back, I often pondered about the advice I needed but didn’t receive during that transformative period of my life.

Reflecting on my early days in the music industry, I acknowledge that receiving advice about not believing all promises would have been valuable. Instead of relying solely on promises, I now understand the importance of honing my craft, ensuring that I can stand independently. While having a quick hit is great, building a foundation rooted in my unique talent and style is timeless and contributes to the longevity of my career.

At the beginning of my journey, I wanted people to appreciate me as a person before being recognized for my music or other endeavors. I aimed to establish a connection with the audience so that, in difficult times, they would still support me as a human being. This desire might stem from a sense of insecurity, but in the realm of music and entertainment, being selfless and present for the audience is crucial.

Looking back at my teenage years, I recall experimenting with flamboyant looks and gaining attention, both positive and negative. It was a phase of exploration, and I laugh at how clueless we were. Transitioning into the public eye at 18, I was eager to please and grateful for opportunities. Backed by influential figures like Jay-Z, I trusted their guidance without questioning, thinking they must be right.

It’s a common sentiment, applicable even outside the music industry, where individuals often hesitate to question authority or successful figures. Sometimes, the path others envision for us may not align with our unique story and script. Now, with age and experience, I realize the significance of learning from mistakes and taking charge of my narrative.

While acknowledging imperfections, I maintain transparency with my fans, sharing both successes and missteps. Learning and evolving is a continuous process, and I appreciate the growth that comes with it.

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