Natasha Bedingfield talks love, recapturing 'Unwritten' success, and finding love

By ALICIA QUARLES - Associated Press | Wednesday, July 2, 2008 12:15 PM PDT ∞

Natasha Bedingfield may not be universally known, but her song is.

The inspirational anthem "Unwritten," her breakthrough hit from her 2005 album of the same name, was a worldwide success that earned her a Grammy nomination and established her as a U.S. success after conquering the pop charts in her native Britain.

Now Bedingfield is trying to keep the momentum going with "Pocketful of Sunshine," her second album to be released in the United States. The CD, out in January, deals with love and relationships ---- it's what Bedingfield, 26, has gone through since her last album. "Pocketful of Sunshine" is No. 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 albums chart, where it has spent 19 weeks. The album's already garnered two hits: the title track and "Love Like This," a duet with R&B/reggae artist Sean Kingston.

Bedingfield sat down with The Associated Press to talk about making the adjustment to celebrity life, the huge success of "Unwritten" and maintaining a relationship in the public eye.

AP: Your first album was so successful. Were you worried about capturing success again with your second U.S. album release?

Bedingfield: I was really excited to come back to my second album after having gone all around the world with my first. It was really exciting to get back into the studio again and be writing. Really, it reminded me about what I got into it for in the first place, and that was the writing side. I started off in the studio, and to be writing again and to release my album in Europe and then I went on the Justin Timberlake tour and now I am releasing it in the States ---- I feel really excited. I don't feel nervous. Of course, there is that side; you want people to like it, of course. I want people to like what I have done, but I feel very excited by it.

AP: The song "Unwritten," was huge hit in the States. It is featured on the reality show, "The Hills," and also in a Pantene commercial. Were you worried about being seen as too commercial?

Bedingfield: It was wonderful that ... "Unwritten" became such an anthem over here in the States. I don't think that is ever a bad thing, really.

AP: "Pocketful of Sunshine" is technically your third album to be released. Why was your second album, "N.B.," only released in the United Kingdom?

Bedingfield: Because my album ("Unwritten") was so global, when I went back to England and Europe, I had to reintroduce who I was. I had been in the States for about a year and a half, two years. I couldn't release the same album in the same country at the same time because it would be too much. I really wanted to base myself there and then come here and properly do it here.

AP: On "Pocketful of Sunshine," you sing about love and relationships. Is it more difficult to date when you are famous?

Bedingfield: When you are famous, you actually end up meeting a lot more men. The amount that I travel, you meet a lot of people. You are not in the same place for very long. Most of the time it is one day here and one day there. To actually develop a really deep relationship can take a little longer. This album is all about relationships and all about the ups and downs that come with that. I really have learned a lot, and actually I have a boyfriend right now. It's just that you learn so much about yourself through the person that you are with.

AP: What do you think is the secret to keeping a great relationship?

Bedingfield: I don't really know the secrets, but for me, the main challenge I have is long distance and traveling all the time. You just make it work. I am really grateful that I live at a time when the Internet and phones are available. I use that video cam. I love that. I love my phone. I am kind of inseparable from it.

AP: Have you experienced the downside of fame?

Bedingfield: I have had paparazzi stalking me, particularly when my music hit first in London and car chases. If I am with a guy at all, it is crazy ---- they will chase me with a guy, get out the lights, take pictures and that kind of thing. I am not in there every day, mostly because I am out of the country or I am working. I'm kind of diligent in what I do.

AP: You have obviously experienced the positive side as well.

Bedingfield: I think the media is a tool that is closely related to everything that a musician or someone like me does. It is a funny relationship, because there is a love/hate thing. You hate the paparazzi who are chasing you, yet they are working for you as well. I like the balance I have. I am not in the tabloids every day, but I do go out partying and have fun.

Natasha Bedingfield, with the Veronicas and Kate Voegele

When: 8 p.m. July 5

Where: House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego

Tickets: $20-$42

Info: (619) 299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego

Web: natashabedingfield.com

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