NEW YORK (NY POST) - One look at newcomer
Anastacia Newkirk - just Anastacia, professionally - and you have to wonder why this sexy, beautiful singer would title her debut album "Freak of Nature."
Then you give the disc a spin, and this 26-year-old blonde diva starts belting as if she were possessed by Tina Turner, Donna Summer and Aretha Franklin all at once.
The sultry songbird - who lives below Canal Street - is enjoying a huge fan base in Europe, having sold 10 million copies of her album overseas - and hoping American listeners, who'll be able to buy "Freak of Nature" on June 18, will be just as enthusiastic.
Until then, you can catch the hot new diva during the halftime show for this Sunday's Post-sponsored NYPD vs. FDNY football game at Giants Stadium (3 p.m. on the MSG cable network) - and at Thursday's annual VH1 Divas concert, when she'll take the stage with Mary J. Blige, Cher and Celine Dion.
Post: Do you worry about competing in the tough American market?
Anastacia: I don't think of any other artist as competition - I'm my own competition. I don't think, "How can she do something better than me?" - what I usually ask is, "How can I do something better than I've already done?"
Post: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Anastacia: My heart is weak; I'm very sensitive. My strengths are my humor, my spirit, my voice, my determination. I'm intuitive and realistic.
Post: What does being realistic in the music business mean?
Anastacia: You're as good as your last moment. Make the numbers, or your record company will drop you in a heartbeat.
Post: Did you learn that from your pals Michael Jackson and Faith Evans?
Anastacia: You didn't mention Elton John.
Post: How did a girl from Chicago get to know these music icons?
Anastacia: Michael Jackson telephoned me after he saw me sing on MTV's "The Cut" because he wanted to sign me to his label. We talked for a half hour about the business and life. It was one of those great conversations that will be with me forever.
Post: Did he say anything that stuck with you?
Anastacia: He told me I'm the kind of artist the world will understand.
Post: What does that mean?
Anastacia: At that time, I had no clue. I didn't even have a passport then, and I thought the world was America. Now I understand he meant that the world wants an artist who is genuine, not a pre-made mix filled with preservatives.
Post: Is that why you wear glasses?
Anastacia: I don't want to look like someone I'm not, so I maintain a look that is close to who I really am.
Post: You also have a scar on your stomach. Same deal?
Anastacia: I'm very proud of it - I've had it since I was 13. Back then, though, I wasn't so proud of it. I thought I'd never get a date with this big old scar. Now I know we're not supposed to be perfect.
Post: How did you get it?
Anastacia: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 13 - that's where the scar comes from.
Post: Many people who have suffered with a medical problem find that it defines their life.
Anastacia: I don't know if I would have looked at life in the same way. It taught me that life is precious. I never know when I'm going to wake up and not feel well enough to work. There are times I can't eat, and then I have to go on medications that are harsh and debilitating. Your hair falls out; your skin breaks out.
Post: Is there anything you want to do but can't because of your condition?
Anastacia: I pray I can someday have a child, but there's no guarantee of that. But if I can't have a child, I'll adopt. Motherhood will happen for me one day, but I'm not ready for the responsibility right now.
Post: Are you dating anyone?
Anastacia: I'm available to date, but it isn't something I need now. I'm fine to hold my own hand and go to a movie. I am comfortable with me.
NY POST
By DAN AQUILANTE
