Life lessons: Lulu
Much-loved singer Lulu, 68, who joins the Let It Shine panel as a guest judge, tells Yours what matters to her in life…
Being a team player is vital
I’m all about that when I’m performing – I always want my band up front with me. Collaborating is a great skill; you learn from one another. In Let It Shine, Gary Barlow’s comment about team spirit is a very good one. How are you going to rise if you’re on your own? You’re only as weak as your weakest link; if you think it’s all about you, forget it. In today’s society you need a village to support you when you’re an artist. It’s not a one-man job, you need musicians, lighting, sound operators, the works.
Learn how to deal with rejection
I’m a firm believer in what doesn’t kill you really will make you stronger. I’ve had so many disappointments in my life, if I had let one of them break me I wouldn’t be here today. If you get turned down it’s not personal. That’s something you have to contemplate, no matter what your age. My first record was a big hit, my second a flop, the next was a hit, the following a flop, so it was up and down, up and down.
Don’t take yourself too seriously
That’s one of the things Take That is known for – they aren’t full of themselves. They have a lot of humility and gratitude and have had their ups and downs. But you’ve also got to shine and be the best that you can be.
Being positive makes all the difference
Be grateful what you’ve got rather than dwell on what you haven’t got. That’s pointless. It’s also so important to remain positive about life.
Fame shouldn’t be an end in itself
I didn’t do what I did to be famous. I think that separates the chaff from the wheat. It’s a tough business to be in, especially when you get knocks, so the easiest thing would be to say, ‘Ah, stuff it’. But the ones who aren’t in it for the fame won’t do that, they keep going, regardless of the knock-backs. There’s a hunger there.
Being single has its advantages!
There’s no one to answer to – that’s definitely one of the good things. You can be totally selfish and do what you want. When I’m not working, I love to travel. I can take off when I like and don’t have to consult anyone.
have a strong work ethic
I come from a place where you don’t get things handed to you, you have to work for it. Not to sound down about it, but with my family, there was a lot of stuff going on that was trying and I had a lot of pain and difficulty, but that’s made me, it’s the fibre of who I am. I’m a fighter and that’s got something to do with it. I’m like, ‘Don’t tell me I can’t do something!’ It’s a fighting attitude. Now, as I’ve got older, I don’t give in easily – sometimes to a fault. Let it shine is on BBc1, on saturday evenings Lulu was talking to alison James