She’s been in the public eye since her teens, but Rita Ora isn’t interested in nostalgia. The British-Albanian singer, actor and entrepreneur has built a career on reinvention – one that spans chart-topping singles, film roles, fashion collaborations and her own beauty brand. Now, she’s entering a new phase.
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Who or what has been your biggest creative inspiration?
Forever my mum, mixed with a bit of Madonna. The bravery Madonna has shown over her career and her reinvention are so inspiring. And then my mother, for her resilience.
What was your finest hour?
When I threw a free concert in my country, Albania, it was the third biggest country show from a female artist of all time, with around 400,000 people there. It was insane. That was a real proud moment, giving back to my country.
Outside of that, what’s a moment on stage you’ll never forget?
Performing with Bocelli. He asked me to perform with him in Italy, and it was really beautiful. There are so many moments I’m lucky for, but that was pretty big.
What’s your favourite destination and why?
Probably Australia because it’s almost like everyone’s asleep when I’m awake, and it feels like a genuine break.
What’s a ritual or habit that keeps you grounded when life gets chaotic?
I’m obsessed with smells and cleaning my energy. I know that sounds really witchy, but I love it. I sage everything and protect my space.
Go-to comfort meal after a show?
You can never go wrong with, like, a bottle of red wine and a pizza. I just had it yesterday.
What’s on your pre-show playlist right now?
A lot of Olivia Dean. She puts me in a really happy headspace. I’m really happy for her because the idea of music in that genre being popular excites me. Seeing the authenticity of live music come back is really exciting.
What’s the toughest part of your gig?
Reinventing yourself. Staying in the game, staying in the mix. It can become confusing when you’re trying to keep up and still stay true to yourself. And the best part? That you can just wake up and be somebody else for the day.
What’s the last TV show you binged?
The Summer I Turned Pretty. It’s so good.
You’ve built a career across music, fashion, film and beauty. How do you decide which projects feel true to you and which ones to pass on?
I get a lot of offers, especially now in the fitness space, but it has to feel authentic. Everything I’ve been involved with, including TYPEBEA with Anna, comes from a genuine place. I bleach my hair all the time, so I wanted to show that journey. Fans can tell when things aren’t authentic. With Primark, I grew up shopping there, and I wanted to give people a dream and a fantasy with clothes – something that feels elevated but is still accessible.
If you could pass on one bit of advice to your fans, what would it be?
Find your identity through what makes you excited. Whether it’s reading, makeup, exercising, dinner with your mum, or meeting a friend – lean into that. Don’t try to like something just because others do. I’ve done that before, convincing myself I liked things I never did. External manipulation can really get you. Own what you love to do.
When you look ahead in 10 or 20 years, how do you want your creative legacy to be defined?
I want people to say, “It was always the truth.” My mother was always adamant about us owning who we are and not changing for anyone. Coming from an immigrant background, we’ve had to fight for a seat at the table. That’s shaped who I am.
All Natural has been called one of your most personal songs yet. How did you decide this was the story you wanted to tell now?
I’m not a kid anymore, and I felt like I needed to go back to the drawing board and reintroduce myself to my audience. Things are so different from 12 or 13 years ago when I started. I felt it was my duty. I stripped everything back and took a very personal approach.
My vocals on this record are simple and confident. I wanted to be able to dance alone in the video and speak about something natural to me – being a woman, having that strength and that sexual fantasy I go into when I’m making music or shooting a video. It allows me to be somebody else, and I love that. I wanted to celebrate that.
If you could perform anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
Australia.
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