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She regrets nothing
She shines like a young woman! When we meet Mireille Mathieu (66) at the "Autumn Festival of Surprises", she looks as youthful as ever. Three years after her last album, the singer delights with her CD "Mireille Mathieu chante Piaf" ('... sings Piaf'). With us the electoral Parisian spoke about her childhood and mother Marcelle (91).
This CD is a tribute to the famous singer Edith Piaf ...
Mireille Mathieu: I started my career with their songs. This CD is my way of saying "thank you". I owe everything to her.
One of the songs is called "Non, je ne regrette rien" ('I do not regret anything'). Does that also apply to you?
Mireille Mathieu: I do not regret anything in my life. Because everything that I have experienced in bad, has something positive.
Your first big performance was at the age of 16 in Paris.
Mireille Mathieu: At that time, I took the train for eight hours and arrived alone in Paris with an almost empty suitcase. I felt lonely and was very shy. But I really wanted to become a singer!
You have been on stage for almost 50 years. From what do you draw strength?
Mireille Mathieu: I am always looking forward to new cultures and personalities that I get to know while traveling. My life is a great gift.
Do you speak German?
Mireille Mathieu: Yes, I can say a few words. I used to have a German teacher, but always had problems learning. Because I suffer from dyslexia, sometimes confused right and left.
Where does it come from?
Mireille Mathieu: I'm actually left-handed. One of my teachers wanted to transform me. If I wrote with left, he forced me to take the right hand. Sometimes there were blows with the ruler.
Her mother Marcelle accompanies you - despite her old age - often traveling. This time too?
Mireille Mathieu: No, not now. But in 2013 she will be part of my tour of Russia. My mother is the best thing that could happen to me. She always believed in me. I enjoy every minute with her.
Do you have a beauty secret?
Mireille Mathieu: I do not smoke, I eat a lot of vegetables or fish. And I rarely go to the sun. Besides, sleeping is extremely important. Before a performance, I need ten hours of sleep.
Is there something that scares you?
Mireille Mathieu: I'm just scared of one thing: getting sick. There is not one specific disease that I'm afraid of. Rather, it is the feeling of being helpless and unable to control my life.
