**Lulu Shares Aspirations and Candid Reflections on Fame, Mental Health and Meeting Barack Obama**
Scottish pop legend Lulu has revealed a long-held ambition: to serenade former US President Barack Obama with her iconic song, *To Sir With Love*. Speaking in a candid interview on BBC Breakfast, the 76-year-old singer opened up about the enduring charisma of Obama, her experiences in the music industry, and the personal challenges of both fame and vulnerability.
When asked during the live segment who she considered the most charismatic political figure, Lulu did not hesitate. “As soon as anyone mentions politics, it’s Barack Obama,” she declared. “I’m sorry, there has never been a prime minister here that has that kind of charisma.” Although the celebrated artist has never met the former president, she confessed, “My dream is to sing *To Sir With Love* to him, he’s great isn’t he?”
Released in 1967, *To Sir With Love* remains one of Lulu’s most beloved songs and was written for the James Clavell film of the same name. The movie, which took on issues such as social divides and racial tensions in a British school, starred Sidney Poitier alongside Lulu herself, as well as Judy Geeson and Patricia Routledge. The song’s poignant themes and the singer’s heartfelt performance have since become emblematic of the era’s spirit of change.
Despite her success, Lulu remains grounded about the complications that often follow public recognition, especially in today’s climate of celebrity culture. During her interview, she voiced concern for younger generations seeking fame, suggesting that many underestimate its demands. “Today it’s so crazy to me that so many kids want to be famous, and I think, ‘you have no idea what that entails’,” she noted. Lulu recounted how peers in her own career once struggled with the pressures of celebrity, with some succumbing to addiction or withdrawing entirely from the limelight.
As an example, Lulu recalled the struggles of guitarist Peter Green, who famously stepped away from music. “One of my favourite guitarists, Peter Green, I got angry that he stopped playing, but he couldn’t deal with the whole success,” she explained, highlighting the toll of fame on even the most talented performers.
Currently preparing to release her memoir, *If Only You Knew*, scheduled for publication in September, the singer reflected on how the world has evolved in terms of discussing mental health. She described modern society as “more open” compared to previous decades, when conversations about well-being were typically hidden. “I think it’s healthy,” she said, revealing how the act of writing her memoir forced her to confront painful personal truths.
Lulu emphasised the importance of openness, both for herself and others. “If you keep things to yourself, like me, what was difficult about writing this book, when I decided to actually be as vulnerable as I possibly could and tell everything, I had things that I kept down, so they get lodged in your whole being, and to unlock them, this can be painful. It can be hard, but ultimately it’s healthy,” she reflected, echoing the adage: “you’re only as sick as your secrets.”
From her musical debut in 1964, Lulu has forged an illustrious career, achieving 10 UK top 10 singles and a prominent top 10 album. Among her enduring hits are classics such as *Shout*, *I’m A Tiger*, and *Boom Bang-A-Bang*, the last of which was a Eurovision Song Contest winner in 1969. Her contributions to music have solidified her as a cherished figure in British pop culture.
Looking ahead, Lulu’s hopes remain undiminished, combining her passion for music with her admiration for those she finds truly inspiring. As she continues her journey, both publicly and personally, she serves as a reminder of the complex realities of fame and the enduring value of honesty—both with oneself and the world.