PLANNING: Drafts of Article 'Copy'

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So, is it true that Joanne McIvoy is not your real name?

“[Laughs] Yeah, I changed it back when I was trying to make it in the music industry. My given name was Joanne Rodgers, I guess I just felt that Joanne Rodgers wasn’t a superstar name.”

What is the most memorable moment of your career to date?

“Wow that’s ... that’s a hard one. There have been so many. This past year has been a dream come true for me and it’s hard to pick just one, but I guess that performing at Madison Square Gardens has been pretty memorable for me.”

How did you first start out in music?

“I actually started out singing on YouTube videos. I know that’s how a lot of singers have started out recently but that is how I am here. A record label saw a few of my videos and I like to think they enjoyed them [laughs], I mean how else would I be here today.”

Is music something that you’ve always wanted to do?

“[Laughs] No. I originally wanted to be a drama teacher. I didn’t even take music as a course at school. It wasnt until I went to a concert with friends that I realised that maybe it was something I would want to do?

Who are your role models in the music industry?

“ I have so many. There are so many amazing artists that I look up to and aspire to be, and if I am able to ever be as talented as them then I will be very happy.”

Is it true that Sam Smith has taken a shine to you?

“Yeah, but not in that kind of way [laughs]. He saw a music video of mine and called me up to tell me how he felt about it. He is a really sweet guy.”

Are there any artist that you would love to do a collaboration with?

“I would love to sing a song with Katy Perry, she has been one of my idols for like ever [laughs]. I grew up listening to her songs.

You were voted for a few American Music Awards this year, tell us about your experience at the award show.

“It was an incredible experience. To be nominated for those awards alongside amazing and talented artist like that was beyond believable for me. And to actually have won the awards, well it was a night that I will never in my life forget. As well as winning the awards i was nominated for I was also able to sing alongside artists like Ed Sheeran and Sheppard. Both of them are such great singers and to have been given the opportunity to sing with them was something that I never imagined would have happened to me. In a year I went from singing on videos to being able to write my own songs and sing them on a stage for people who enjoy them. It is a dream come true.”

Final question. What are your plans for the future?

“That’s easy [laughs]. Continue to make music for the people who enjoy listening to it. Continue to make people happy in the way that I know best.”