Emeli Sandé
The multiplatinum-selling Scottish singer talks about loneliness, confidence and singing for the Obamas
INTERVIEW ANITA CHAUDHURI
PHOTOGRAPH: SIMON EMMETT
My mum says I was singing before I was talking. I was always out in the garden humming. I remember listening to Yazz as a child, trying to figure out the harmonies.
The most memorable place I ever sang was at the White House in front of Michelle and Barack Obama and my idol, Carole King, accompanied by Aretha Franklin’s former band. The Obamas were literally a few yards from me. I mostly feel proud of myself for not running away in panic!