Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Rosie O’Sullivan

Rosie O’Sullivan’s got talent. Praised by Simon Cowell for her soulful vocals, the singer-songwriter reached the semi-finals of the popular British series, Britain’s Got Talent. Following her successful run, Rosie’s been hard at work, and recently released her new single, “Take Me as I Am”. The song is an empowering anthem about embracing your individuality. Pop Culturalist chatted with this rising superstar about her run on Britain’s Got Talent and “Take Me as I Am”.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Rosie: I discovered my passion for music at the age of ten when I started singing for the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. My primary school teacher signed me up for the audition, and I haven’t looked back. Singing in choirs and school shows became a huge part of my life. I remember going to see lots of shows from musicals to pop singers, hoping one day that would be me.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Rosie: I embraced music at the earliest age. I was brought up with the rousing sounds of Motown, soul, and the vibrant styles of the ’60s. I not only listened, but also immersed myself in the unique energy of the music. It has left a lingering influence on my own style and sound.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Take Me as I Am”. What inspired the song?
Rosie: “Take Me as I Am” was written in 2017. It was a year where I was trying to find acceptance to be myself, not only in personal relationships, but also in today’s unfortunate stereotypical society. As humans, all we want in life is to be truly accepted for who we are. Everyone is beautiful. Learn to embrace differences and diversity in our ever-changing world. If people can’t take you as you are, it’s their loss!

PC: You competed on Britain’s Got Talent. What did you learn from that experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career?
Rosie: Britain’s Got Talent taught me many things. The most beneficial thing I took from the show was when I stood on that stage and saw people rise to their feet in support and applause. I knew from that moment that this is where I belong and what I should be doing.

PC: Your initial audition has been streamed over four million times. Did you have any expectations heading into the competition?
Rosie: When auditioning for the show, it was all very rushed. I wasn’t expecting to get as far as I did. Never in a million years did I expect to get to the semi-finals. I have to pinch myself that I am where I am today doing what I love. When I watch my audition back, it makes me so proud to think about how far I’ve come in the past six years.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you all as we look ahead in 2019?
Rosie: The rest of the year is extremely exciting. It involves lots of new music releases, which I cannot wait to share with you all. Also, lots of gigs around the U.K. Stay tuned for updates.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Rosie: Nina Simone and Andrea Bocelli

PC: First album you bought?
Rosie: Spice Girls

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Rosie: Nina Simone’s greatest hits, which was “borrowed” from my dad’s record collection and never returned. [laughs] “Feeling Good” and “I Put a Spell on You” were the first two songs I ever learned to play and sing. They’re still my go-to songs when I sit down at the piano to play.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Rosie: The Royal Albert Hall as a soloist. I sang there with The National Youth Choir, but imagine: A Night With Rosie O’Sullivan.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Rosie: My CD collection

To keep up with Rosie, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Take Me as I Am” on Amazon Music.