Olivia is committed to endangered species - Veronica

Translation from Dutch:

Sensational. In several American states, Olivia Newton-John's new number one single, Physical, is being boycotted. The lyrics are considered too ambiguous, too focused on physical pleasures. And that's probably true. Pop music sometimes has something to do with sex. But that these controversial lyrics come from Olivia is remarkable, to say the least. As is the metamorphosis the thirty-six-year-old singer has undergone.

After the somewhat disappointing film Xanadu, it has been quiet around the still youthful-looking singer for quite some time. This was a result of tensions with her ex-manager and ex-boyfriend Lee Kramer. Given the fact that Olivia has long been seen as Mrs. Kramer, it has become a kind of Kramer versus Kramer affair.

Olivia: I came to the conclusion that after Xanadu, I was holding a losing hand. Everything was going wrong. My record sales had declined sharply after the Grease period. My image was outdated. I wanted changes, but I didn't really know in which direction. Lee was still handling my affairs. But there were no motivated voices from him either. I think he had a hard time coping with the breakup of our relationship. I had to wait until our contract expired. Only then could I get back to work.

Appearance

Olivia's hairdresser Armando Cosio suggested a complete change of her appearance. Her new manager, Roger Davies, a childhood friend of Olivia's, suggested an image overhaul. The sweet girl needed to become a femme fatale. With a matching, aggressive, and suggestive repertoire.

Olivia: I immediately felt a strong connection to the new approach. But I was also terrified of the audience's reaction. After all, I have a lot to lose. Over the past few years, I've worked incredibly hard on a good name. When I read the lyrics to 'Physical,' I thought my heart would stop. I'd never sung anything like that before. Roger suggested the morning exercises. I'm a workout freak. No one can prove you mean anything else, he said. But I took it.

Adam Ant:

With Cosio and Davies, the singer began working on a new look, a catchy style — contemporary and exciting. Olivia: I always closely follow developments in pop music. I never leave anything to chance.

I was fascinated by the rise of several English bands: Adam Ant, Spandau Ballet, and others. I was particularly drawn by the special attention these groups paid to the visual aspect. I'm talking about the period before these groups' large-scale breakthroughs. Lest I be accused of plagiarism, the so-called blitz trend had already been noticeable in the disco scene in America for some time. Everyone thought disco was dead. But it was simply the calm before the current storm. Although the blitz fashion hasn't really crushed America yet.

Refusal

Despite the boycott in part of America, Olivia's new image has been well received in the pop world. Her refusal to participate in Grease 2 has certainly proven wise. Olivia: The offer was tempting. Especially at that time. Success seemed assured. But the idea of ​​rehashing something I'd already done didn't appeal to me. I declined. Although Travolta was said to have agreed. Which I never believed, by the way.

The success of Physical and the LP guarantees her bread (and strawberries) on the table for at least another year. But the little girl has more ambitions than another series of top ten hits: I have been intensively involved with organizations like Greenpeace for quite some time. So far, I have not promoted them. That is always interpreted as cheap publicity in the press. But the fate of dolphins and other endangered animals is close to my heart. I want to strongly commit myself to them in the coming period. There is a good chance that I will not visit countries that threaten such animals for the time being. Although you do have to think of your fans.

Film

Despite her refusal to appear in Grease 2, Olivia is not averse to further developing her film career. Olivia: Of course, it hasn't amounted to much so far. Anyone could have played the role of Sandy in 'Grease'. I'm not kidding myself on that point. I was chosen because I had a certain reputation as a singer in America. 'Xanadu' did well in America, Australia and Japan. The film certainly wasn't a flop, as is sometimes suggested. But yes, I didn't have to deliver an acting performance. That's clear. And I could already roller skate. The film was a learning experience for me. For all those dance scenes, I was in optimal condition. That's how it's stayed. That's why I can effortlessly double up during the performance of 'Physical'.

Most of the roles I'm offered are in the vein of 'Grease': a good, romantic girl who finds happiness. Yuck. Maybe my new image has opened the eyes of producers. Although I'll never take off my clothes. That's the other extreme. But I'd love to play a role with a bit of depth. A bad woman for once, or something.

Relationship

For now, Lady Luck is smiling on her. Professionally, Olivia has made the right decisions. And privately, she seems happy with her much younger boyfriend, Matt Lattanzi. Olivia: Age has nothing to do with happiness. Look at Victoria Principal and Andy Gibb. We're doing just fine. Matt and I, we have been together for quite some time. Maybe it will lead to marriage someday.

Text: Heather Johnson/Marie-Louise Thomassen. Photos: EMI

Television - Wednesday, January 11, Nederland 2 (Editor - I think this is the televisied Let's Get Physical)