Pop queen Rita Ora has used a surprise podcast appearance in the NZME studio to praise New Zealand’s lifestyle and people, telling listeners how Kiwis are “really lucky” to live here.
The singer appeared unannounced on When I Grow Up, hosted by The Hits Morning Drive host Ben Boyce and his daughter Sienna, after a tattoo inviting her on to the show caught her attention online.
Sienna, who has named Ora as her dream guest since the podcast first launched, was visibly stunned when she removed her mask to find the pop star sitting in front of her.
“Oh my God, how did this even happen? How much begging did you do?” she asked Boyce.
The moment came together after Boyce had “Rita Ora come on our podcast!” tattooed on his thigh. Ora stumbled across the clip while scrolling social media and was immediately intrigued.
“I was like, ‘wait, where is this’? And I messaged my friend Rachael, who messaged me saying, ‘have you seen this’? ... Then I discovered the podcast. It only took a tattoo!”
The Kosovo-born singer, who is married to New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi, said Boyce and Sienna’s bond resonated with her.
“Coming to New Zealand every year and seeing how great family is and understanding that you really do anything for your kids, Taika’s the same ... I was pretty emotional, seeing you guys together.”
Ora also reflected on her own teenage years, detailing how at 16 – the same age as Sienna – she chose to pursue a music career against her parents’ wishes.
“It was a brave move; I went and made tea in a recording studio just to get studio time. I feel like when you’re 16, that’s when your life begins.
“You need to go through the mess to figure out what you’re doing.”
She spoke openly about suffering from anxiety and panic attacks when she was younger. Coupled with the pressures of stardom, Ora said therapy helped her develop tools to manage life in the spotlight.
“The perception of fame, people think all your dreams come true, and there are incredible perks, but a lot of pressure and attention, followed by scrutiny and judgment.
“You have to understand what’s real and not real in life. That’s what I’ve been working on, and I’m feeling really confident in my body now, but I still have a lot of work to do.”
She delved into her love for Aotearoa, praising the laid-back lifestyle, weather and culture.
“You guys are really lucky here, you’ve got such great fresh air, and views and beaches.
“I was so blown away by how kind everyone is here, and the family ethics and culture. I guess for me, I’m always learning something when I’m here.”
The Your Song hitmaker also revealed her fondness for a good boil up and hāngī.
“We’ve had [hāngī] for a few Christmases, so I’m excited to have that again.”
Listen to the full podcast below for more on Rita Ora’s thoughts on New Zealand, including her favourite place to take visitors, and how she manages juggling multiple favourite careers.
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