LIVE IN THE MOMENT IT’S ALL YOU’VE GOT

I turN 50 this year and I’m looking forward to it — I feel happier and more settled and connected than I ever have. And I’m really grateful to have reached this stage in life.

After having cancer again [Anastacia was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in 2013, resulting in a double mastectomy], I reassessed what life is.

though I loved my job, I always tried to focus on a relationship or my social life, and it would get in the way of being able to truly enjoy my career.

Now I’m in love with what I do. You grow, you mature and you realise what is important.

I’ve always looked a bit younger — music industry executives told everyone when I started out in my career that I was 21, when I was 31. But I don’t feel the pressure to compare myself to the youngsters out there. I just feel excited.

In December I had my final cosmetic surgery following my mastectomy. It’s official — my twinset is ready to party! I feel more whole again. Being on strictly Come Dancing in 2016 brought me one step closer, then planning this surgery did, too. It was all leading up to the moment of: ‘OK, I’m going to be 50 with all of this connecting.’

I like to give ‘glass half-full’ messages through my music. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realised you have to be flexible with the world in order to enjoy it.

since getting divorced [from bodyguard Wayne Newton in 2010], I’m not opposed to romance, if it happens. But I feel just as good when I’m single as I do when I’m with someone.

I do Bikram yoga and I love it. At first I was thinking, ‘the room’s too hot, I don’t like this position.’ But, the dialogue in my head slowed down, and how to enjoy the moment became clearer. I may not have tomorrow, so I want to enjoy what I’m doing right now.

AnAstAciA joins Lionel Richie for various dates on his All the Hits tour, which runs until June 24 in the UK. Buy tickets at lionelrichie.com