The Liverpool legend talks Eurovision, having hits and THAT French & Saunders sketch
She’s got the hits! She’s got the gays! She’s got the hair! 80s pop sensation Sonia is an undisputed LEGEND of the UK pop manifesto. Many homosexual gentlemen of a certain aged have leapt around in front of a mirror with a hairbrush to Listen To Your Heart. Don’t pretend you haven’t, we see you!
With a record contract at the tender age of 18, shortly followed by a sparklingly successful second-placing at Eurovision, Liverpool lass Sonia has had ELEVEN top 30 UK hits!
Now she’s back, at iconic queer venue the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, with a euphoric and intimate show for her fans. We chatted to her about music, Eurovision and THAT French & Saunders sketch.
Hi Sonia! Are you looking forward to your show at the RVT?
I am! It’s always a great night at the RVT. It’s iconic in there. The atmosphere’s fantastic and it’s always really hardcore fans, who really support me and have always supported me throughout my career. So it’s lovely, it’s just a really nostalgic night.
There are certain artists who really resonate with the LGBT community. Why do you think you’re one of them?
Ever since I was a kid, when I got the record deal when I was 18, they LGBT community has supported me phenomenally. I’ve always done tonnes of prides, both over here and abroad – in Spain, everywhere. They just absolutely love the music. I suppose it’s so uplifting – really good pop songs that people can relate to. A lot of the time fans come up to me and say ‘your songs remind me of a breakup I had’, or of getting together with someone. Songs can be such a massive part of your life, of what you’re doing at that time. It’s lovely to hear those stories, to know I’ve been part of those people’s lives. People have also said to me ‘your music helped me deal with my sexuality.’ Songs like Listen To Your Heart give a message of follow your heart and be true to yourself. It’s all in the lyrics!
What do you think about music at the moment? Have you got any favourites?
I’m actually loving all the new Kylie stuff! It’s got the country feel but it’s really catchy. I’ve got a little daughter who’s nearly eight, and she’s into all this new stuff. Sometimes I’ll put the radio on and she’ll be singing along and I’m like “Gracie, what IS this song?!” She knows more than me. But obviously I’ve got my old school favourites…Whitney!
Does your daughter know that mum was on Eurovision and had some huge pop hits?
She knows the whole thing! She’s been to loads of my concerts and shows and festivals, She loves it! She gets up on stage and actually sings with me. It’s fantastic, I think she’s a little star in the making!
I was watching French & Saunders the other day…there’s a sketch where Dawn French plays you! Have you seen it?!
Oh god, yeah. It’s very funny isn’t it. At the time I was like ‘oh my word, it’s shocking.’ But it’s also iconic. They spoofed Madonna as well didn’t they, so I’m in with all them!
It must be so surreal seeing a parody of yourself.
It is! And especially at the time, I was just a kid and I was like ‘oh god is that the way people see me?!’ But it’s all a laugh isn’t it. I’ve met Dawn since then and we had a laugh about it.
I bet she felt bad about it.
[Laughs] she did actually!
So the show at the RVT is in honour of 25 years since you competing in Eurovision! Do you celebrate Eurovision?
Yeah! Every single year, me and my daughter and my husband sit down and we get score sheets out and we see who’s gonna win…we make it a really big event! It’s gonna be great! But it’s just sad that the UK never comes close to winning anymore. When I did it, we were coming up in the top twos and top threes, but in this day and age we’re always on the other side of the board.
Do you have an ultimate Eurovision favourite?
Yes! Bucks Fizz! It’s our little Gracie’s favourite too, and it’s funny watching her. Because I remember running up and down the stairs when I was little, singing the songs and pretending to rip my skirt off. And now my little daughter’s doing it and it’s like “OH MY WORD!”
So what can people expect from your RVT show?
Well I’m gonna be doing all the hits! Every single song will be a hit of mine. Obviously Better The Devil You Know is gonna be in there. We’ve got some clips as well, and flags! It’s gonna be a really fun, upbeat night. I’m really looking forward to it!
Sonia is at the RVT on Thursday 26th April. More info and tickets at vauxhalltavern.com
