Rebecca Ferguson has admitted she didn’t “physically” feel ready to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest so soon after giving birth, but was determined not to let the opportunity slip.
The 36-year-old singer, who gave birth to her fourth child in February, took the stage at the first semi-final in Liverpool on Tuesday and gave a stunning performance of “Welcome To Our House” to an enthusiastic audience.
But now Rebecca has admitted in an exclusive chat with Web that she had doubts about returning to the stage so soon after welcoming her little one – whose name and gender has not been revealed.
She said, “Physically, I didn’t feel ready.” I just had a baby and I wasn’t on a diet. In fact, I can’t diet because I’m breastfeeding.
“I wouldn’t normally 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 this!”
Tough enough: Rebecca Ferguson, 36, has admitted she didn’t feel “physically” ready to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest so soon after giving birth, but was determined not to let the opportunity pass her by
Mother: The singer, who gave birth to her fourth child in February, took the stage at the first semi-final in Liverpool and sang beautifully to an enthusiastic audience
While breastfeeding, she also rehearsed for Eurovision, explaining, “I’m usually self-critical, but I practiced so much — breastfeeding, singing, breastfeeding, singing — that was my preparation.”
“I rehearsed a lot. I recorded it myself and played it over and over again – I thought a lot about how I would sing it in the Eurovision Song Contest. As soon as I left the stage I knew I had done my best.”
“But I was tired. I breastfed the baby between rehearsals and interviews. When I had to be separated from my little one, hormonally I asked myself, “Where’s my baby?”
“But I knew how many people were watching me perform, and I also really knew I had to do a great job.”
Rebecca attracted attention on Tuesday when she delivered a powerful performance in the first Eurovision semi-final.
The star looked nothing short of sensational in a voluminous, ruffled orange dress.
Her incredible dress was layered in tulle and featured a long train that flowed behind her on stage.
Rebecca told Web how she worked with a stylist to feel more confident on stage, explaining: “I usually choose my outfits for performances, but because my body has changed from having another baby, I have I hired a stylist named Emily Evans.”
Brave: But now, in an exclusive chat with Web, Rebecca has opened up about how skeptical she was about going back on stage so soon after giving birth to her child
Sensational: Rebecca attracted attention on Tuesday when she delivered a powerful performance in the first Eurovision semi-final
Happy birthday: The former X Factor star and her husband Jonny Hughes announced the birth of their first child together in February, who was born on Valentine’s Day
“She came by with a lot of dresses and the orange one was in this huge box.” When she pulled it out and I put it on, I wasn’t sure at first, but then I thought,
“Actually, this is the perfect Eurovision dress, it’s a bit fun, when else could I wear something so special?”
“I’ve seen some of the jokes being made about my dress but it doesn’t bother me.” It was a bit fun and I liked not being too serious.
“After the semifinals, I had a wine with Jonny in my hotel bar and looked through some comments. We laughed so much looking at her!’
After her incredible performance, Rebecca insists she’s enjoying life at home with her kids too much to take on any more gigs now.
The former X Factor star explained, “I really love doing shows. But right now, my focus is on the baby and I love being at home with the kids.”
Romance: The couple wed in December last year after seven years of dating at their “dream wedding location” in London’s posh Mayfair area
But there are no immediate plans to increase her brood as she laughed, “It’s too fresh.” Four kids is plenty. I take my hat off to women who have kids in their mid 30’s – that’s hard! It’s really exhausting!’
Explaining why she chose to keep her pregnancy with her fourth child a secret, Rebecca said, “I think for us women, that immediately means, ‘Oh no, we can’t let that, she’s having a baby.’ Baby, that she won’t be able to” and I didn’t want the possibilities to be hindered.
“To be honest, I wanted privacy. I’m so open as a person, I open everything up to the fans and so it was nice to just enjoy this with my closest loved ones.
“I’ve been in the industry for about 13 years and people who are in the public eye are always very aware of what people are thinking and saying.”
“I’ve gotten to the point where I’m just going to tell it like it is.” At the end of the day, I’m human and I don’t feel like I should hide that.”