An Interview with Sugababes

They're one of the hottest pop groups in the UK and with a new album out and their single at No.1 it's amazing to think that their oldest member is only 19! We had a chat with Keisha, Heidi and Mutya...

  Keisha, Heidi and Mutya are Sugababes You've been singing for a long time – when did you decide that you wanted to be in a group?

M: From a young age, I've been singing on stage since I was six and Keisha's been doing it for ages as well, and so's Heidi. Growing up listening to our music idols has got a lot to do with it 'cos when you're young and you're watching videos all the time and hearing it while you're trying to sleep, I think it just gets into your head… and so that's what you want to do.

So who are the people who've influenced you most musically?
M: R Kelly... it's funny because R Kelly's really big at the moment - but I grew up with him – he's been around since '94.
K: Brandy. I was the biggest fan of Michael Jackson when I was a kid, I couldn't watch any of his videos – I'd cry. I wet myself once watching Michael!
H: I saw Annie Lennox on Parkinson on Saturday and she was absolutely amazing…
M: Ooh, she's wicked. I love her.
H: She was performing with her band and she's got so much feeling in her.
M: She's got a different voice, a really unique voice.
H: I nearly started crying…
K: But I bet you didn't wet yourself!

So what do you think of Michael Jackson and all the wierd stories about him?
K: I love him. You know, I think it should be about the talent. Everyone's trying to be like Michael – if there was no Michael there'd be no Genuwine, Justin Timberlake.
M: Why look at appearances when there's so much talent going on?
K: If he wants to put a mask on his kids and walk around with Bubbles the monkey then let him. His talent shows that he's smart – he's not whacko at all – he just does different things.
M: I think it's do to with the way he's been brought up as well.

What music are you listening to at the moment?
K: Anything to with R&B and hip-hop.
H: I love Motown too, and even old school garage.
M:Old school R&B from '94 upwards.
H: I really like Pink, Ms Dymanite and Christina Aguilera…

What do you think about Christina Aguilera's dress sense?
M: I like it. I don't think there's anything I've seen her wear that I wouldn't wear myself.
K: The media don't make such a big fuss about other people's dress sense – other singers show their bodies off. It should be about her voice.
M:Yeah, like Rachel from S Club, she shows a lot of her body, she gets put down a lot. I think Rachel's song is wicked anyway.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
H: Missy Elliot, and I love Madonna too.
M: Actually, someone mentioned Rod Stewart the other day.
K: I reckon he's quite sexy.
H: My mum abosolutely loves Rod Stewart!

What makes you glad to be a celebrity and what makes you wish you weren't?
K: The best things about being famous are going on stage, performing and getting to meet your idols. We saw Whitney Houston at the MTV Europe Awards, we didn't get to meet her but I was really close to her. And when I met Mary J Blige, I grew up on her music.
M: There's such a tempation to actually run up to them and go 'oh my God, oh my God,' but…
H: …we have met people who've been really horrible…
M: …you don't want to be disappointed.
H: We've met Kelly Roland and she's very nice, she's one of the nicest people I've ever met.
M: I think the worst bit is…
H:…the rumours
M: Getting up in the morning!
K: Personally, I don't mind getting up early and the hard work, just like everyone else we get tired, but think about what comes with it. You have to make sacrifices just like in any job. But if you're a confident person then you don't mind them calling you big nose or chubby chin.
M: It's when they go on about it all the time… it's fair enough if you say it once but when it's like everywhere you go and anything you look at you see the same thing over and over again – the only reason I get upset is because I know that it goes all around the UK press and it also goes to Europe. If you strong-minded then I guess you can get over it, but it takes a while.

Which make-up product could you not live without?
K: Anything from Iman – I like to have foundation and lip gloss wherever I go.
M: Chantecaille. I love my mascara and eyeliner. And I love Vaseline for lip gloss.
H: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream 'cos you can put it on your lips or your eyes.

What are your favourite things to spend money on?
H: I just spend it on going clubbing. We get lots of clothes given to us, like from designers. So clubbing with my mates, and getting films… and food shopping – I spend a fortune on food shopping!
M: Yeah, that's like me. I went food shopping with the girl I live with and we spent over £200 and it lasted like three days – and I don't know how or where it went!

Would you like to try your hand at acting like J.Lo and Beyoncé?
M: No.
H: I would, if it was the right part.
K: I'd play any part!
M: Keisha's a really good actress.
K: When I was younger things like tripping up and falling on my face didn't bother me because I don't care about the whole embarrassment thing. I hardly ever get embarrassed. I stepped on a floorboard in my house when my boyfriend was round and it made a funny noise and he said 'Oh my God, she's farted!' – so I just tried to make the noise again but it wouldn't do it! I think that's one of the most embarrassing things that's ever happened to me. And I think if you can laugh at yourself, I think you can be a good actor. I think I'd feel more confident acting on stage than I do singing.

Have you got any yucky habits?
K: I know what Heidi does! You'll have a packet of crisps and she'll put her hand in the packet, take one, lick her fingers and then put her hand back in the packet!
M: I spit a lot and burp a lot – I'd rather it came out of my mouth than anywhere else! Sometimes I forget who's around me, and I'll just burp…
K: I suck my thumb.

What do you think you'll be doing in five years time?
H: Hopefully, still doing music – and happy and healthy and my family happy and healthy.
M: If we're not still singing, I like to have children by then. A lot of people might think I'm crazy, but we been singing for so long - we've been in a group since we were eleven – and I'm only 18 and I've done it all, the Brits, gone around the world… sometimes you feel...
K:...you feel ahead of your time.

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