Ellie Goulding: I’m chilled and happy
The 23-year-old singer shot to fame when she won the Critics’ Choice prize at the 2010 BRIT Awards in January. She released her debut album Lights in March, and quickly charged up the charts in the UK, Europe and Ireland.
She is now on the verge of breaking into the American market, and says she has finally stopped feeling panicked about her sudden fame.
"This year has been a whirlwind, but I feel really happy and chilled about it all. I don't feel out of control anymore,” she said.
“And the most exciting thing is that 2010 is just the beginning for me. I've just signed to Lady Gaga's label, Cherrytree Records, in America so working over there is my next goal."
Ellie has also conquered her body image demons. The singer was a size 12 when she was catapulted to fame, and admits she stopped eating for a while earlier this year because she was so stressed. She has now devoted herself to eating healthy and exercising and is thrilled with the results.
"I was working really hard and I felt like eating was indulgent,” Ellie explained to Britain’s News of the World newspaper. “My manager was worried about me and I realised that I didn't want my female fans to think that when you're feeling down or stressed, you don't eat.
“When I started out, I was on the receiving end of some 'fat' comments because I wasn't super-skinny like some other artists. Now I'm a size 8, but I've done it the sensible way, through running and eating well. But I still get drunk with my band on tour and eat sweets. I just know where to strike the balance - I call it 'training and caning'!"