Imagine the paparazzi’s reaction if Lindsay Lohan decided to sunbathe on Ashton Kutcher’s front lawn. Complete pandemonium, right?
That’s the sort of response Andrea Corr got from tabloids in her native Ireland when she sang a duet with Bono a few years ago. There was ample speculation, followed by immediate denial.
In Europe, where The Corrs have sold more than 40 million albums, gossip mags hang on Corr’s every move. So does that mean the frontwoman is relieved when she’s touring in America, where her glossy pop group’s celebrity is much less intense?
“There’s something liberating about not being as popular in the States, but it’s not like I’d like it to stay that way,” Corr says.
Corr is calling from her L.A. dressing room at “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” where, in a few hours, she and her band of siblings will perform “Summer Sunshine” for Leno and millions of TV viewers. For Corr, who’s also looking for white-hot fame in America, it’s a step in the right direction.
Any celebrities lingering backstage?
No, just some kids with weird contraptions on their bodies. They’re doing one of those “kid’s inventions” shows.
Are the kids pestering you?
No, no, no. They can’t–they can’t get very close to me. The gadgets they have on their bodies are quite large. One second, please.
Huh?
[Sound of phone hitting the floor and Leno’s voice in the background. Corr returns after a few seconds .] Sorry about that. Jay just stopped by to say hello and I didn’t want him to think I was rude–just sitting on the phone, you know?Sure, sure. So does Guinness really taste better in Ireland?
I’m sorry but it’s true. Those draft cans with the widgit thing in them, those taste pretty good. But there’s nothing like Guinness in Ireland.
What makes it better?
It must be the water. I mean it’s brewed there. It’s like, what’s the difference between New York bagels and Los Angeles bagels? The water, right?
Let’s say a bartender pours you a pint without using Guinness’ suggested two-pour system, do you send it back?
We all worked in a bar; I know what it’s like, so I wouldn’t give him a hard time. Just drink it, you know? But I don’t really drink Guinness.
No?
Well, I might have a glass of Guinness at home, but I wouldn’t drink it abroad. It’s too hot here. Guinness suits Ireland, drinking it by the fire during a session [of traditional Irish music].
What about American beers?
I should probably be political and say yes, but I like Heineken, you know? Amstel is pretty good, but that’s not American, is it?
Nope.
I don’t like Budweiser or Miller, and they’re American.
Those brands tend to give American beers a bad name.
My dad loves Miller though. That’s what he buys at home, so it’s just a question of taste. I should say I drink Coors, shouldn’t I?
Only if you actually like it.
Well, I don’t.
