I earned over £10,000 for a secret concert – even though it was cancelled
Classically trained singer tells how she makes the high notes
What did your parents teach you about money?
TO spend it wisely because it is not easy to come by. But at the same time, to be aware that you cannot take it with you. My mother was a travel agent – she worked full-time at Thomas Cook – while my dad was a lorry driver. He used to get up at four o’clock every morning and not get back in until five or six o’clock in the evening. Money was tight. I remember them counting out the pounds for the weekly shop.
Did you get pocket money as a child?
NO. I was aware that my singing and acting lessons were expensive. I started going to acting school Stagecoach when I was nine and was given the lead role in a production three months later.
Afterwards, the singing coach approached my mum and said: ‘ Your little girl can really sing. Have you ever thought about getting private lessons for her?’ Her name was Liz and she is now my musical director. With her help, at 16 I got into Tring Park, a prestigious performing arts college in Hertfordshire. I was in a class with actress Lily James. I was awarded a scholarship – my parents would never have been able to afford to send me there otherwise.
What was the first paid work you ever did?
SINGING in concerts in Italy the summer I was 16. My mother’s side of the family is Italian so I was able to stay with them. One of the great things about southern Italy is that they still celebrate classical music and hold concerts in bandstands and piazzas, even in tiny little villages. I used to earn between 80 and 100 euros a concert.
Have you ever been paid silly money?
YES. It is not unusual for me to earn more than £10,000 for a 60 to 90-minute concert. Once I was asked to perform at a private concert in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I was not allowed to know who I was going to be performing for. But I was told it would be a huge event with fireworks and an enormous orchestra. I was paid a significant fee – five-figures – upfront. The night before I set off, they cancelled everything. I still do not know why or who the client was but it worked out nicely for me. It was the best concert I never did and the silliest money I have ever earned.
What was the best year of your financial life?
LAST year I released an album which was nominated for a clas- sic Brit award. That led to more gigs and private concerts – everything just snowballed. I would prefer not to disclose how much I earned, but it was a six-figure sum.
What is the most expensive thing you bought for fun?
MY car, a Mini Countryman. It is slate grey with racer red stripes. I bought it two years ago for £35,000 and added on all the fancy mod-cons including a fantastic stereo system. I enjoy listening to Latin American music in the car and I am a huge fan of Meatloaf. I rarely listen to my own recordings, but my dad does.
What is your biggest money mistake?
BUYING a satin gown covered in ostrich feathers on eBay for £ 2,000. I looked like a plucked chicken. It was horrendous. I have to wear expensive dresses to perform in. It is part of what the audience love to see – a singer in a gorgeous gown. When I started, a lot of my income went on dresses. Nowadays, designers dress me for free.
What is the most you have spent on a si ngle dress?
SOME £12,000. It was an Oscar de la Renta design. I wore it for a special event I performed at in Italy, but now earns a sixfigure annual salary from her beautiful voice. Her criticallyacclaimed debut album, Singing My Dreams, was nominated for a classical Brit award. But surprisingly, her favourite artist to listen to when she is driving is Meatloaf.
Her latest album Live At Cadogan Hall was released last month and can be purchased via website carlypaoli.com. Hollywood. It was show-stopping and now is probably worth more than when I bought it. I still wear it.
Do you save into a pension or invest in the stock market?
NO. I know I need to start a pension, but it is only recently that I have been earning significant amounts of money. When you are self-employed your income fluctuates from month to month. I do have savings in the bank though.
Do you own any property?
YES. I recently bought a ten-bedroom house in Wiltshire with my parents. My mum is the closest thing I have got to a manager and I cannot imagine living without her and my dad. It is a modern house built in Georgian style. I wanted high ceilings with good acoustics so I could practice my singing at home. I also bought my grandmother’s property, an old vicarage in Mansfield. I wanted her to be able to live there stress-free.
If you were Chancellor what would you do first?
I WOULD make sure there was better funding for music, drama and art lessons in state schools. They are character-building.
Do you donate money to charity?
CHARITY When You Wish Upon A Star is close to my heart. It grants wishes to terminally-ill children. I released a Christmas single to help raise money.