Kim Wilde shared that her time touring with Michael Jackson during his peak fame made her contemplate stepping away from the music industry. The renowned singer, known for her 1980s hit “Kids in America,” expressed how witnessing Jackson’s immense celebrity revealed the less glamorous side of superstardom.
Reflecting on the 1988 tour with Jackson, Wilde disclosed to the i newspaper how overwhelming extreme fame can be, describing it as confining one in a luxurious yet isolating environment. Being the support act allowed her to maintain a sense of freedom and enjoyment unlike Jackson’s secluded existence.
This pivotal experience led Wilde, who achieved significant success with 25 UK Top 50 singles and being the most-charted female singer of the decade, to contemplate a departure from the music scene. She cherished the ability to travel, return home, and live a normal life without the trappings of fame, prompting her to explore other opportunities beyond music.
As a new Netflix documentary, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict,” revisits Jackson’s 2005 trial, Wilde’s reflections on touring with the late pop icon gain renewed attention. Despite fame being a familiar concept due to her upbringing as the daughter of singer-songwriter Marty Wilde, the realities of celebrity hit home as she navigated her own rise to stardom.
While fame brought luxuries like champagne waiting in her room, it also brought unwanted intrusions, such as encounters with overzealous fans attempting to invade her privacy. These incidents, including a peculiar encounter with admirers looking to propose, highlighted the challenges of fame for Wilde.
After taking a break from music to raise her children, Wilde discovered a new passion for horticulture, enrolling in classes and eventually embarking on a successful career presenting gardening programs and earning accolades at prestigious events like the Chelsea Flower Show. Her transition away from music was marked by few regrets, with her only lament being the absence of professional makeup services.
Today, Wilde credits activities like gardening, dog walking, and meditation for helping her maintain a balanced life as she continues to perform her classic hits on tour. The experience of touring with Jackson remains a significant chapter in her life, shaping her perspective on fame and ultimately leading her down a new and fulfilling path outside the music industry.