LeAnn Rimes reveals the pressure of becoming 'America's sweetheart' as a teen: 'People don't want you to grow'
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LeAnn Rimes has shared how she struggled through the pressure of public expectations while growing up in the spotlight.
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LeAnn Rimes has shared how she struggled through the pressure of public expectations while growing up in the spotlight.

The 41-year-old American singer tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that when she swapped from country to pop music and began to express herself in more womanly ways, she suffered a lot of judgement.

'I don't think people honestly, until my 30s, allowed me to grow up' LeAnn explained to the publication.

'In this industry, people like to pigeonhole you because it's easier for them to sell. But basically, I don't know how anyone could ask a 13-year-old girl to stay in a lane – and especially for someone like me, who is kind of America's sweetheart, in a way.'

The singer continued: 'People just want to keep you stuck at that age. They don't want you to grow and they don't want to see you change. But part of growing up as a woman is exploring our sexuality'.

LeAnn went on to explain that while she remains defiant, criticism can get to her at times.

'You have to care and not care at all in the same breath. I think we all can be really critical of ourselves as women, anyway. It's easy to do' she said.

'I have great days when I feel amazing and others where I feel bloated and gross. I really give myself a lot more grace these days to just roll with what life is presenting'.

The Grammy-award winning singer was confirmed as the newest member of the coaching panel on The Voice Australia in a major show shake-up earlier this year.

The country music star is one of three new faces joining as mentors, with only Guy Sebastian returning from the previous line-up.

Last year, Guy, 42, was joined by Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo in the iconic red chairs, but Seven has recruited a string of new coaches this year.

LeAnn will be joined on the coaching panel by Grammy-nominated singer Adam Lambert, Australian songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and returning mentor Guy.

On joining the panel, LeAnn Rimes said: 'I am incredibly honoured and excited to embrace the opportunity of coaching on The Voice.

'This special chance to mentor and discover new voices throughout Australia is a reflection of the love and support I've received from my Australian fans throughout my career.

'I look forward to returning the love, sharing my experiences, and hearing fresh, promising talent.'

LeAnn, real name Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, has had more than 40 charting singles since rising to fame as a country music star at the age of 13 with her 1996 single Blue.

LeAnn has collaborated with huge A-list names including Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joss Stone, and sold more than 48million units worldwide.