All that gliters...
US singer Jewel has sold 25 million albums and is now set to conquer the UK. She tells us about romance, divorce and dating Sean Penn
You grew up in Alaska. Do you have fond memories of your childhood?
Oh, Alaska's beautiful, but life wasn't easy back then. My parents split up when I was young, so I lived in a log cabin with my dad and two brothers. We all slept in the same room upstairs. It was very basic. I'm still thankful not to have to worry about where my next meal is coming from each day.
Do you ever get homesick?
I'm quite well adjusted now, but I used to find it hard. I was 18 when I first left home to move to the States. I was so homesick I carried some soil from home around with me. I go back to Alaska whenever I can now, but I couldn't work there - it's very remote, and the winters are freezing.
Is it true that your parents' divorce inspired you to start writing songs?
Their split definitely inspired me to write. I think sometimes you need an outlet for things you can't control or can't understand and writing worked for me.
You lived in a camper when you arrived in the US, before hitting the big time?
Yeah. I was fired from a waitressing job and couldn't afford to pay the rent. I decided to move into my van, so I could concentrate on my writing and not fret about money. I was the ultimate free spirit.
You've sold 25 million albums worldwide - were you prepared for such success?
Nothing can prepare you for that. I was never the kind of kid who said 'I want to be famous, I want cameras on me all the time'. And although I'm incredibly proud of my success, I initially felt under a huge amount of pressure.
So are you extravagant now?
Not at all. The most expensive thing I've bought for myself is lingerie. I'm too embarrassed to tell you how much it was, but I believe a girl should spend a lot on underwear.
Are you living the high life ?
No, I've always been a home girl rather than a party girl. I work from 5am until midnight and on my days off I write songs. My ideal escape is to go to a ranch. I enjoy the peace and quiet - and the solitude.
You've dated film star bad boy Sean Penn? What's he really like?
I dated Sean for about a year when I first moved to America. He's a really fantastic guy and it's a time I'll always treasure. He's a genius and he kept me afloat when no one else was supporting me.
Are you still in touch?
We're still friends. We don't speak very often, but we catch up when we can.
Do you have a man in your life now?
Yes, I met my boyfriend Ty at a rodeo show. He's a World Champion Cowboy and Bull Rider. We've been seeing each other for four years and have a great relationship, but I'm not in a hurry to get married. I don't think he is either, although you can never predict these things...
Would you say you're a romantic ?
Oh God yes! Every morning I leave little notes dotted around the house for Ty. I'll write songs and then sing them onto his answerphone. I think if you want someone to stay interested in you, you need to keep yourself interesting.
What's the most irritating thing about being famous?
I hate having to fake moods. If I'm sad I can't pretend to be happy. I'm a very honest person - when I'm tired I just
come out with it and say, 'I'm going to bed, get out.'
What's the best advice you've been given?
When I was ten, I was whining to my mum, 'It's not fair'. She just turned to me and said 'Fair doesn't count - get
over it'. Sounds harsh, but there's nothing worse than people who whine all their lives. She taught me early!
Jewel's European tour starts in April and her second single from her album 'This Way' will be released in May.
WORDS: CORRINE STANLEY
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