Post by Stephany on Mar 1, 2007 22:23:05 GMT
As requested, here is a new-old Hayley article.
TWO MINUTES WITH HAYLEY WESTENRA
24 December 2005
The Press (Christchurch)
© 2005 Fairfax New Zealand Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Our homegrown starry dream is all grown up but she still seems like the sweet girl next door. The Press talks to Hayley Westenra about being naughty and secret crushes.
Hello Hayley, congratulations on your achievements this year. You seem to go from strength to strength? How has 2005 been for you?
Hi! Well, it's certainly been a rollercoaster ride. I have managed to fit in the recording and release of a new album, Odyssey, promotion for it and many, many concerts. I also went on my first Unicef field trip, to Ghana, which was a moving and life-changing experience. I'm living such a varied and fulfilling life, I feel very privileged. I'm not saying it isn't hard work, because it can be, but I cherish the fact that I'm getting to live out my dream.
You have become a bit more of a tabloid fixture this year. But your behaviour always seems impeccable. Haven't you done anything naughty?
Of course, I haven't done anything naughty ... I'm a good girl -- although the hairdresser across the road from me is a little suspicious of my behaviour. Mum and I arrived home late one night, well around 4am actually, from a get-together with the All Blacks after their fantastic win against England, and were dropped off at the end of our street. Lo and behold, the hairdressing salon was open, clients and all. So, we're thinking, this is a little bizarre, but it turned out he was having a party out the back of the salon and had offered to give someone a haircut. Meanwhile, he's wondering what we're doing walking the streets alone so late!
I think it was the Sun that did a splash on you having a secret love interest in the UK? A fellow celeb it thought? Is there anything you'd like to tell us.
All I'll give you is that he's not a UK citizen.
Oooh, its not Enrique Iglesias is it? No, I'll give you more credit than that. Go on, tell us who you secretly fancy. We won't tell. Who would be your dream date?
You'll keep it a secret, eh? Sorry, I'm not budging on this one ... you'll have to keep guessing.
Umm, Ricky Martin? No? You're often compared with Charlotte Church. Do you know her and is she really potty-mouthed, as she was described here during the Lions tour?
Journalists still bring her up in interviews, but fortunately I now have built my own identity. I have only met her once a few years ago, but she was a little pre- occupied with texting her boyfriend who was waiting in the car outside so I don't have much to tell.
You come across as lovely, fresh- faced and quite wholesome. Do you feel constricted with your public image? Does it reflect who you really are? It's hard being perfect -- I know I struggle. Do you ever feel, as I do, like reinventing yourself and becoming some saucy pop temptress?
I'm relatively happy with my public image. There's always going to be the odd misconception, but I have no need to rebel against anything if that's what you're hinting at.
You've done loads of travelling. Where do you go in London in your spare time. If you have any?
Yes, I have done a lot of travelling, but generally I don't have a lot of spare time to shop, other than at the airport (and that novelty wears off pretty quickly.). I'm always missing New Zealand's landscape, the space and fresh air, so in London, I love getting amongst the trees in the parks, especially Holland Park if I get the chance, and walking down by the river Thames. Unfortunately there are no beaches, but it's the best London can offer. It's far more therapeutic than shopping.
What are your fans like when you meet them? Any scary moments?
Most are wonderfully positive and enthusiastic ... I have some lovely fans running fansites and doing whatever they can to support me. There are a few who are a little too "enthusiastic", to put it subtly, but that comes with the territory.
What big plans do you have for 2006? A New Zealand tour and one with Il Divo too? Are they hunky or what? (Good singers too of course).
Well, first of all, I'm touring New Zealand in January which I'm very much looking forward to -- it's been a while. Then I hit the road with, yes, the very charming Il Divo boys, although I don't know about their plans to tour New Zealand. So yes, a whole four months of touring worldwide with them (sorry ladies!) ... my life is tough. Then more solo touring around Japan, Germany, UK and America is lined up, plus a lot more on top of that I expect, as usual.
I believe you arrive home for Christmas on Christmas Day? What will you be doing. What are you hoping Santa will bring?
Yes. I can't wait. I'm counting down the days until I leave for Christchurch. I miss my family and friends SO much. I really couldn't care less for presents ... being at home with the people I love will be enough for me.
TWO MINUTES WITH HAYLEY WESTENRA
24 December 2005
The Press (Christchurch)
© 2005 Fairfax New Zealand Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Our homegrown starry dream is all grown up but she still seems like the sweet girl next door. The Press talks to Hayley Westenra about being naughty and secret crushes.
Hello Hayley, congratulations on your achievements this year. You seem to go from strength to strength? How has 2005 been for you?
Hi! Well, it's certainly been a rollercoaster ride. I have managed to fit in the recording and release of a new album, Odyssey, promotion for it and many, many concerts. I also went on my first Unicef field trip, to Ghana, which was a moving and life-changing experience. I'm living such a varied and fulfilling life, I feel very privileged. I'm not saying it isn't hard work, because it can be, but I cherish the fact that I'm getting to live out my dream.
You have become a bit more of a tabloid fixture this year. But your behaviour always seems impeccable. Haven't you done anything naughty?
Of course, I haven't done anything naughty ... I'm a good girl -- although the hairdresser across the road from me is a little suspicious of my behaviour. Mum and I arrived home late one night, well around 4am actually, from a get-together with the All Blacks after their fantastic win against England, and were dropped off at the end of our street. Lo and behold, the hairdressing salon was open, clients and all. So, we're thinking, this is a little bizarre, but it turned out he was having a party out the back of the salon and had offered to give someone a haircut. Meanwhile, he's wondering what we're doing walking the streets alone so late!
I think it was the Sun that did a splash on you having a secret love interest in the UK? A fellow celeb it thought? Is there anything you'd like to tell us.
All I'll give you is that he's not a UK citizen.
Oooh, its not Enrique Iglesias is it? No, I'll give you more credit than that. Go on, tell us who you secretly fancy. We won't tell. Who would be your dream date?
You'll keep it a secret, eh? Sorry, I'm not budging on this one ... you'll have to keep guessing.
Umm, Ricky Martin? No? You're often compared with Charlotte Church. Do you know her and is she really potty-mouthed, as she was described here during the Lions tour?
Journalists still bring her up in interviews, but fortunately I now have built my own identity. I have only met her once a few years ago, but she was a little pre- occupied with texting her boyfriend who was waiting in the car outside so I don't have much to tell.
You come across as lovely, fresh- faced and quite wholesome. Do you feel constricted with your public image? Does it reflect who you really are? It's hard being perfect -- I know I struggle. Do you ever feel, as I do, like reinventing yourself and becoming some saucy pop temptress?
I'm relatively happy with my public image. There's always going to be the odd misconception, but I have no need to rebel against anything if that's what you're hinting at.
You've done loads of travelling. Where do you go in London in your spare time. If you have any?
Yes, I have done a lot of travelling, but generally I don't have a lot of spare time to shop, other than at the airport (and that novelty wears off pretty quickly.). I'm always missing New Zealand's landscape, the space and fresh air, so in London, I love getting amongst the trees in the parks, especially Holland Park if I get the chance, and walking down by the river Thames. Unfortunately there are no beaches, but it's the best London can offer. It's far more therapeutic than shopping.
What are your fans like when you meet them? Any scary moments?
Most are wonderfully positive and enthusiastic ... I have some lovely fans running fansites and doing whatever they can to support me. There are a few who are a little too "enthusiastic", to put it subtly, but that comes with the territory.
What big plans do you have for 2006? A New Zealand tour and one with Il Divo too? Are they hunky or what? (Good singers too of course).
Well, first of all, I'm touring New Zealand in January which I'm very much looking forward to -- it's been a while. Then I hit the road with, yes, the very charming Il Divo boys, although I don't know about their plans to tour New Zealand. So yes, a whole four months of touring worldwide with them (sorry ladies!) ... my life is tough. Then more solo touring around Japan, Germany, UK and America is lined up, plus a lot more on top of that I expect, as usual.
I believe you arrive home for Christmas on Christmas Day? What will you be doing. What are you hoping Santa will bring?
Yes. I can't wait. I'm counting down the days until I leave for Christchurch. I miss my family and friends SO much. I really couldn't care less for presents ... being at home with the people I love will be enough for me.
