Adele is back and graces not one but two editions of ELLE Magazine.
The British belter covers the US’ September issue and the UK’s October installment.
Arriving in grand style, the feature spreads come on the heels of the superstar announcing the rescheduled dates of her headline-grabbing Las Vegas residency, Weekends with Adele.
As widely reported, the concert special hit an iceberg when it was sensationally postponed just one day before its intended launch in January.
A mixed blend of disappointment, scrutiny, and intense critique whipped up ample uncertainty – not just around the residency but the singer’s ’30’ album campaign more broadly.
Now, with the drama seemingly in the rearview, Adele is opening up about weathering the storm and looking forward – both professionally and personally. The latter includes her relationship with mega sports agent Rich Paul – with who she says she’s “obsessed” and madly in love.
Head below for pics and quotes…
On the Original Iteration of Her Vegas Residency:
“There was just no soul in it. The stage set-up wasn’t right. It was very disconnected from me and my band, and it lacked intimacy. And maybe I tried too hard to give it those things in such a controlled environment.”
On the Aftermath of Postponing:
“I was embarrassed. I went into hiding.
‘I didn’t want anyone to think I wasn’t trying my best. I was.
[Even after The BRITs performance] I nearly cried after. It felt strange receiving so much love when I’d let people down.
The first couple of months were really, really hard. But it actually made my self-confidence grow, because it was a very brave thing to do. And I don’t think many people would have done what I did. I’m very proud of myself for standing by my artistic needs.
On the New Show’s Concept & Suitability for Where She Is:
“I want to tell the story of the beginning of my career to now. I’m not gonna give too much away about it, but the show grows. It’s all about the music, and it’s really, really nostalgic. It’s gonna be so beautiful.
‘I think I’m right to do it now. I know I’m not, like, 60 years old, and I haven’t got 20 albums under my belt. But I think my music will work in a show in Vegas. I haven’t really witnessed ’30’ out in the world yet. It’s gonna be so emotional. I don’t know what I’m gonna do with me-self.’
Excerpt On Being in Love with Rich Paul:
‘I’ve never been in love like this. I’m obsessed with him.
She says he makes her feel safe, and encourages her to live her guarded life more freely. When they were discussing taking a vacation recently, Adele told Paul she had always wanted to go to one of the Italian islands, but feared the paparazzi presence there. ‘He was like, “You would let that stop you from going to the place that you most want to go on vacation?”’ she remembers, laughing with affection. ‘He’s like, “For one photograph, what’s the worst that can happen?”’
On Expanding Her Family:
‘I definitely want more kids. I’m a homemaker and I’m a matriarch, and a stable life helps me with my music. But right now, all I got in my brain is Vegas. I wanna f**king nail it.”
