Singer of the Year Olivia Newton-John - Rennbahn Express

Translation from German:

With a very clear lead, Newton-John was voted Best Popstar. Even before this result was announced, we conducted the following interview with her.

Rennbahn Express (R-E): Olivia, since Xanadu, you've been on everyone's lips again. How did that come about?

OLIVIA: I've been incredibly lucky professionally lately. After Grease, I was offered about 80 films and turned them all down. It wasn't until Xanadu that I felt like everything was right: great music and a funny, fairytale-like story that suited me well.

R-E. In Xanadu, you almost get the feeling that a new sex bomb has been discovered in you...

OLIVIA (laughs): Thanks for the compliment. But I think that's mainly due to the costumes. Some of them were very cleverly cut – and suddenly I looked sexy. That surprised a lot of people, and there was a huge stir in America; I still have the image of Miss Innocent there. There are reporters in the US who actually ask me today if I'm still a virgin.

R-E: You've been accused of having an affair with each of your film partners. What's the truth in the fact that you're currently living alone and have split up with your long-time boyfriend, Lee Kramer?

OLIVIA: All these rumors. I became friends with everyone very quickly, but I've only had real relationships with a few people.

R-E: And Lee Kramer?

OLIVIA: That was one of the few. I met Lee six years ago in Monte Carlo. He was like a salesman, and it was love at first sight. I owe Lee a lot. He took over my management and devoted a lot of time to me. But over time, you grow apart. We grew up as friends; we always had two separate apartments.

R-E: Did you never think about marriage?

OLIVIA: A woman should therefore marry at 35 at the latest, otherwise she'll miss the most important moment of her life.

R-E: Are you currently lonely?

OLIVIA: Well, in this day and age, everyone's lonely, like show business. Besides, you have to be around people to avoid being lonely.

R-E: What does that mean?

OLIVIA: I'm not lonely because, for example, I have a lot of really sweet animals on my farm. To be exact, that's seven horses, five dogs and two cats. And believe it or not - they understand me better than most people.

R-E: What are your next projects?

OLIVIA: When your magazine comes out, my new single Suddenly will be on the market, and I'll be doing it as a duet with Cliff Richard. The record is from the Xanadu recordings. What very few people know is that Cliff Richard lent his singing voice for the male lead, and that's why there's now a duet of the two of us. I've known Cliff since 1963; he's one of our best friends. And in January, I will then begin with the recordings for my next LP.

Photo captions: Olivia 1980 private: A girl to love, who is nevertheless lonely. Although rumors say that she is now also entering into a private relationship with a 22-year-old dancer from Xanadu. But the 32-year-old Olivia says: I only have my animals!.

Olivia in the film in 1980: In Xanadu, she was sexier than ever. That was mainly due to the costumes, she says.

Fan Letter

I've been a fan of Olivia Newton-John since the film Xanadu. I would therefore like to have Olivia's autograph address, and I would also like to write to Cliff Richard. -Alexandra Fusser, 6330 Kufstein

You can reach Olivia and Cliff at the following addresses: Olivia Newton-John, c/o Lee Kramer Prod., 9229 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Cliff Richard, c/o Peter Gormley, 17 Savile Row, London W1.