Adele’s Fear of the Stage

Excerpt

Pop icon Adele has openly struggled with extreme stage fright, admitting it nearly drove her offstage. This post highlights how she confronted her anxiety head-on, transforming nerves into electrifying performances—and offers insights for anyone facing similar fears.

Adele’s Fear of the Stage

No popular artist is bigger these days than the British singer-songwriter Adele, and few have been as open about their stage fright.

Rolling Stone

In a 2011 interview with Rolling Stone, Adele disclosed about her performance anxiety:

I’m scared of audiences. I get shitty scared. One show in Amsterdam, I was so nervous I escaped out the fire exit. I’ve thrown up a couple of times. Once in Brussels, I projectile-vomited on someone. I just gotta bear it. But I don’t like touring. I have anxiety attacks a lot.

In the same interview, Adele explained the reason behind her performance anxiety:

I mean, the thought of someone spending $20 to come and see me and saying ‘Oh, I prefer the record and she’s completely shattered the illusion’ really upsets me. It’s such a big deal that people come give me their time.

60 Minutes

Adele echoed the same thoughts in a 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper a year later:

Cooper: So how does it manifest itself?

Adele: It starts the minute I wake up. It I know I’ve got a live show, it starts…I mean I just try and just try and putter around and keep myself busy and stuff like that. And then I got to go down and sit down in the chair for a couple of hours, have my hair and makeup done. But it has gotten worse as I’ve become more successful. My nerves. Just because there’s a bit more pressure, and people are expecting a lot more for me.

Cooper: So what’s that fear?

Adele: That I’m not going to deliver. The people are going to enjoy it. That I’ll ruin their love for my songs by doing them live. I feel sick. I get a bit panicky.

Cooper: Have you ever thrown up?

Adele: Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah, a few times. Projectile.

Oscars

All of this admission of performance anxiety has resulted in somewhat of a public watch when it comes to Adele’s performances. For example, multiple news articles appeared about her attempts to combat her fears ahead of performing her title song from the James Bond movie Skyfall at the 2013 Oscars.

Some reports had her undergoing hypnotherapy in Los Angeles. Others had her studying Chinese Qi Gong breathing techniques. As for her rather lackluster performance that night, speculation ran to some sort of connection between it and performance anxiety.

Beta blockers?

To me, the lack of excitement in her performance suggests that she resorted to using a beta blocker. (Be sure to check out my post on beta blockers and stage fright.)

I’ll be sure to update this post as Adele’s ongoing stage fright saga plays out.

 


 

What do you think? Do you have sympathy for Adele and her battle with performance anxiety? Let us know by commenting below.

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Freedom from Speech Fright

Discover the 5-Day Solution!

Dr. David Lee Fish

a performance anxiety expert with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, combines academic rigor with personal experience to help individuals overcome stage and speech fright through his acclaimed 5-Day Stage Fright Solution, harnessing the proven power of mindfulness.

Dr. David Lee Fish, a respected authority on performance anxiety, has dedicated his expertise to helping individuals overcome the needless menace of stage fright and speech fright. Five years ago, he channeled his know-how into The 5-Day Stage Fright Solution, a book that garnered widespread acclaim and enthusiasm. The success has inspired Dr. Fish to develop a new online course based on the same revolutionary method, offering a beacon of hope and empowerment to those grappling with performance anxiety.

The 5-Day Solution harnesses the simple, effective, proven power of mindfulness, a unique aspect of Dr. Fish’s approach that sets it apart. It underscores Dr. Fish’s commitment to practical and accessible solutions.

Dr. Fish’s long tenure as a professor at Catawba College in North Carolina was marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering performers and public speakers to conquer their fears as key to maximizing their full potential.

With a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Michigan, Dr. Fish combines academic rigor with a practical, hands-on approach. He has authored numerous articles and presented at national conferences on topics related to performance anxiety, offering strategies proven to alleviate stage fright and speech fright. This academic background instills confidence in his clients, knowing they receive the highest level of expertise.

Dr. Fish’s interest in performance anxiety is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. Having grappled with anxiety as a performer and public speaker, he understands the struggle firsthand. This personal journey fuels his passion for helping others overcome their stage and speech fright, and his empathy and understanding make his clients feel supported and hopeful.

Dr. Fish’s expertise has been recognized in the media, where he shares his knowledge on overcoming performance anxiety. His compassionate and practical approach has transformed the performance experiences of numerous individuals, solidifying his position as a trusted authority in the field.

Praise for the 5-Solution book

The book version of Dr. Fish’s 5-Day STAGE FRIGHT Solution has received high praise for its practical tips and effective techniques in tackling the fear of public speaking (performance anxiety). Reviewers appreciate it’s wide applicability, the engaging writing, and the way the book addresses the root causes of stage and speech fright with proven solutions.

“When I was younger, public speaking was one of my greatest fears! I wish I had this resource back then.” KC

This self-help book resonates with a lot of people who struggle with stage fright. A great read!”  —AL

It was like this book was calling out to me!” DB

“A book that covers an important part of today’s life where people need to express themselves to succeed. Has come in handy in my life.” AK

“A great do-it-yourself book that can help anyone with anxiety.” —SH “Really helpful for my peer interactions and work.” —SH

“Stage fright could destroy a career at some point, hence, I’m going to recommend this to anyone I know sufferingfrom it.”  —NG ‘

“I love that it gets to the root of the problem.” —KR “highly recommended to everyone who wants to improve themselves for public speaking and doing presentation be it in university or at work.” MK

“Author David Lee Fish, Ph.D. comes to this brief but impressive self-help book on overcoming stage fright with excellent credentials.” BL

“This book is really helpful and real. It helps me overcome my nervousness on stage.” GC

Helpful in any situation you have to stand/sit before people you don’t know to perform.” —LJ

“Useful to everyone, especially students having their thesis defense and reports.’ —RI

“I feel like this book is for me. It can still help me and everyone else who has to confront his emotions on stage.” LU

“Written by an authority is something that cannot be missed.” —MC “This book could help millions, even me.” —KM

“A wonderful book that is timely and helpful not only to me but to all.” —AN “must-read for all those people having stage fright.” —PM

Wonderful and useful for a lot of people that struggle with stage fright.”—MS “Engaging and funny.”—RG

Wow as in wow!”—JG

“Very helpful in preparing students to face oral examinations.” PR “Just what I needed.” —NC 

“Very timely, just the book I was looking for.”—ZH “A great present for a recent college grad anxious about interviewing for jobs.” —AS

“This book is filled with so many amazing tips that I can look back on my experience now and feel silly about all of the mistakes I made and the simple solutions I could have used.” JP 

“Identifies the root of stage fright and eliminates it through the author’s personal experience, professional knowledge, proven and tested solutions, and clearly defined techniques.” —MM

Incredibly written with good tips on stage performance and public speaking.” —LI

“This book could help in many situations, not just public speaking!” —PM

“Want to get over your horrible fear of public speaking? Get a copy of this book.” —BG

“I know this can be a lifesaver for many of you out there! Grab yours now!” —SM

A really helpful book for those who have anxiety when speaking in front of many others.” —RB

“I suggest you read this nonfiction masterpiece.” —SK

“Almost everyone has to deal with stage fright and this book is a perfect one to deal with it.” —SA

“A great self-help book for those who experience stage fright or insecurity when addressing a group of people. Thanks to the author!” —TA

“You can now cope with nervousness when speaking in public with the help of this book! Get your copy now!” —AM 

A remarkable book offering precious advice and strategies to help us cope with one of the things that make most humans nervous. You can learn how to relax not letting your nerves get the best of you from this book.” —KC

“When you read this book, you will achieve your full potential as a performer or a public speaker.” —BP

very interesting book that will help you overcome stage fright.” —KK

“A great source for people who suffer from anxiety.” —TR

“A well-written book that will help you overcome stage fright.” —RW

“This book could help in many situations, not just public speaking occasions.” RA “

The cover is hilarious but with a serious message for many people.” —IA