Kim Wilde has shared that her experience touring with Michael Jackson during his peak fame era led her to contemplate leaving the music industry. The renowned singer, who rose to stardom in the 1980s with her hit song Kids in America, expressed how witnessing Jackson’s immense level of celebrity exposed her to the darker aspects of superstardom.
Reflecting on the 1988 tour with Jackson, Wilde disclosed to the i newspaper that it shed light on the overwhelming nature of extreme fame, emphasizing the isolating effect it had on Jackson. Being the support act allowed her to maintain a sense of freedom and enjoyment amid the intensity of Jackson’s fame.
This pivotal experience prompted a shift in perspective for the chart-topping artist, who achieved 25 UK Top 50 singles and dominated as the most-charted female singer of the decade. Wilde mentioned that the tour made her contemplate a departure from the music industry to explore other realms of life.
Wilde, now 65, shared that fame was not a foreign concept to her, having been immersed in it from a young age due to her father, singer-songwriter Marty Wilde. Despite the glamorous side of fame, including perks like having champagne awaiting her in various locations, Wilde also encountered unwanted attention, such as fans attempting to intrude on her privacy.
After taking a break from music to raise her children, Wilde delved into horticulture at the age of 36, leading to a successful career in presenting gardening programs and earning accolades like a Gold Award at the Chelsea Flower Show. She expressed contentment with her decision to leave the music industry, with few regrets.
Today, Wilde attributes her balanced lifestyle to activities like gardening, dog walking, and meditation, while still embracing her musical legacy by performing her classic hits on tour. The reflections on her time touring with Jackson coincide with the release of a new Netflix documentary, Michael Jackson: The Verdict, which revisits the singer’s 2005 trial on allegations of misconduct.
Catch Michael Jackson: The Verdict on Netflix starting Wednesday, June 3.
