British pop singer Lily Allen blatantly said that her children “totally ruined” her career during Tuesday’s episode of the Radio Times podcast.
The star spoke lovingly about being a mom, but in the same breath, went on to say that having kids meant her career came to a grinding halt. She was asked if she had to rethink her business model when she had children, and she replied, “I never really have a strategy when it comes to career, but yes, my children ruined my career.”
Allen laughed casually as she explained how being a mother affected her singing career.
“I mean I love them and they complete me, but in terms of pop stardom, totally ruined it,” she quipped during the interview.
She went on to express her frustration over other moms who say they can manage the tough balancing act between work and home life, without experiencing any career setbacks.
Lily Allen attends the WhatsOnStage Awards 2022 at Prince Of Wales Theatre on February 27, 2022 in London, England. Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Singer Lily Allen attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2014 at The Royal Opera House on February 16, 2014 in London, England. Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
“It really annoys me when people say you can have it all because, quite frankly, you can’t” the famous singer declared.
Allen made it clear that to her, it’s a cut-and-dry scenario of having to select a singular path.
“Some people choose their career over their children and that’s their prerogative,” she said on the podcast.
Lily Allen attends the Elle Style Awards 2014 at one Embankment on February 18, 2014 in London, England. Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
Lily Allen ahead of the Giorgio Armani fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on September 24, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
She explained that she chose to step back from singing to focus on raising the two daughters she shares with her former husband, Sam Cooper. She noted that her parents, who are both heavily immersed in the entertainment industry, were “quite absent” when she was a child, and she made a conscious decision to parent differently.
“I feel like that really left some nasty scars that I’m not willing to repeat [on my children],” Allen said.
Lily Allen attends the Glamour Women of The Year Awards 2023 at One Marylebone on October 17, 2023 in London, England. Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Lily Allen attends the Glamour Women of The Year Awards 2023 at One Marylebone on October 17, 2023 in London, England. Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
“I chose stepping back and concentrating on them, and I’m glad that I have done that because I think they’re pretty well-rounded people.” (RELATED: Dolly Parton Opens Up About Missing Out On Motherhood)
Allen has had three number-one hits, 15 of which were in the Top 40. Her debut album resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2008 Grammy Awards, according to Grammy.