Jason Derulo shot to stardom 17 years ago as the breakout heart-throb of the R&B/pop scene with his hit single Whatcha Say. But after years of late-night partying and chart-topping success, the multi-platinum global star's priorities shifted when he became a dad.
"My life is no longer a singular, selfish endeavour," says the singer, who has a son, Jason King Derulo, with his former girlfriend, Jena Frumes. "Now it's like: ‘How do I make sure that he's not too spoilt? But at the same time, how do I let him have some things that I didn't have?'"
Jason Derulo released his new EP, The Last Dance (Part 1), earlier this year
Jason, 36 – who released his new EP, The Last Dance (Part 1), earlier this year and kicked off a world tour in the UK in January – comes from "very humble" but "very happy" beginnings.
Born in Florida to hardworking Haitian immigrants, he grew up in poverty but, "against all odds", became an international superstar who has sold more than 250 million copies of his singles and has collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Nicki Minaj.
WATCH: Jason Derulo reveals how fatherhood has changed him
Now, the singer is reinventing himself, embracing a new era of music that reflects his personal growth. "As life takes us on these crazy twists and turns, we become a different human being," he says. "It's part of our growing up, part of our evolution."
Jason became a pop sensation following his hit single Whatcha Say
Here, he opens up about his latest chapter, why there's "a lot of sacrifice" when it comes to balancing fatherhood with his busy career and what he loves most about British people.
Jason, can you tell us about your new era?
"It's a slow evolution that’s been happening, and the desire to be something different. With every album, with every song, I'm always trying to do something new, something fresh, something that sounds and feels different.
"With this, I wanted to do an entire rebrand. I wanted to look and feel like an entirely different thing."
You have a little boy named Jason King. How has fatherhood changed you?
"Before I had a son, everything was about me, like: 'How can I get to the next level? How can I make more money? How can I be more successful? How can I help my family?’
"Now it's like: 'How do I make sure that my son has the best manners? How do I make sure my son has the best opportunities?'"
Is it hard to balance fatherhood with your career?
"It's a tough balance. There's a lot of sacrifice. But finding the correct balance is important. I believe it’s important for your kids to see you work hard.
"I used to have the perspective that I needed to try to be there all the time. But I think part of being a great parent is your kids seeing you in action, and seeing you work hard and make sacrifices."
How do you navigate dating life when you’re so busy?
"Being on the road, there's so little time for anything. If I'm being honest, my schedule is really packed. Every second is spoken for, and I have to make sure that I'm getting enough sleep.
"When I was a kid, it didn't matter; no sleep, having a bunch of drinks the night before the show and partying. But now, I'm aiming to get that good eight hours."
You recently toured the UK. What do you like about British culture?
"I don't know if the rest of the world knows, but the Brits are party animals. I love it! We always have such an incredible time here in the UK.
"I feel as though a lot of people around the world actually think that I'm from the UK, which is hilarious. It's because I’ve spent so much time in the UK. I always love coming here."
Jason with his ex-girlfriend Jena Frumes and their son, Jason King Derulo
"It's a tough balance. There's a lot of sacrifice. But finding the correct balance is important."
Jason on balancing work with fatherhood
What keeps you grounded?
"My son does, which is a blessing. Having my family around has always been one of those things that keeps my mind and my eye on the prize. Whenever I can have my son around, it feels as though a piece of home is with me."
Your family must be proud of you…
"I mean, it was against all odds, right? It's not necessarily supposed to happen. Coming from where I'm from, it doesn't exist, so it's as though the impossible dream became possible all of a sudden."
Who would you like to collaborate with next?
"I think it happens organically. One of my favourite collaborations was with Stevie Wonder, and it happened because I met him at the White House. I asked him if he would want to play the harmonica on one of my songs, and he was like: 'Put it like this… if I don't play the harmonica on this song, I'm gonna kick your [butt].' Getting to see him work in the studio was inspiring."
The Last Dance (Part 1) is out now. Jason performs in the UK on 6 June, 28 June and 3 July.
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