Tiffany, the iconic 80s pop star, recently opened up about the emotional challenges she faced at the height of her fame. Now 53, she revealed that despite her massive success with the 1987 hit cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ “I Think We’re Alone Now,” she struggled with isolation and sadness during that period.
In an interview with The Guardian, Tiffany shared, “Naturally, my career became a little more intense after I got successful. There were compromises to be made, and it was isolating, because I was travelling all the time without family, friends or the routine of school.” Her comments shed light on the often overlooked emotional toll of fame, especially for young artists thrust into the spotlight.
The Struggles Behind the Spotlight
At the tender age of 16, Tiffany found herself navigating a world far removed from the typical teenage experience. “I was a teenager, up at the crack of dawn, doing promo all day, off to shows at night and then … goodnight!” she recalled. The relentless schedule left her with little time to unwind, a common issue for many in the entertainment industry.
While others in her field might have turned to drugs or alcohol to cope, Tiffany chose a different path. “I immediately went into sadness, because I didn’t know how to get rid of that pent-up energy. Musicians often turn to drugs or alcohol, but I took a lot of hot baths and racked up big phone bills,” she admitted. Her choice to avoid substance abuse speaks to her resilience and determination to maintain her well-being.
Inspirations and Coping Mechanisms
Reflecting on her early career, Tiffany credited several women in the music industry for inspiring her. “At the start of my career, there were a lot of women who inspired me – Carol Decker, Kim Wilde, Taylor Dayne, Samantha Fox. I watched how they composed themselves backstage, how they dressed, how they handled the audience,” she said. These role models provided her with the strength to assert herself in a male-dominated industry.
Her personal life also played a significant role in shaping her coping mechanisms. Growing up with an alcoholic mother, Tiffany learned to adapt and maintain peace at home. “Anything that’s going to make her day better, I’d roll with so as not to disturb the peace. I took that same approach to most of my career,” she explained. This background instilled in her a sense of resilience that would prove invaluable throughout her career.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, Tiffany has emerged with a clear understanding of her needs and boundaries. “To this day, I still don’t fuss. But now I know what’s good for me and I don’t question speaking up,” she stated. Her journey highlights the importance of self-awareness and the ability to advocate for oneself, lessons that resonate beyond the music industry.
As Tiffany continues to perform and connect with fans, her story serves as a reminder of the personal battles that often accompany public success. Her experiences underscore the need for support systems and self-care strategies for young artists navigating the pressures of fame.
Looking ahead, Tiffany’s reflections offer valuable insights for aspiring musicians and industry veterans alike, emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal resilience in the face of fame’s challenges.
