Rachel Chinouriri: How She Conquered Stage Fright and Became 2026

Rachel Chinouriri, the UK pop star who has become every pop star's favorite support act, recently opened up about her battle with stage fright and panic attacks. In an exclusive interview, she reveals how she turned her deepest anxiety into a source of strength, performing for 45,000 fans at Finsbury Park and winning over audiences worldwide.

Rachel Chinouriri's Early Struggles with Anxiety

In October 2017, Chinouriri experienced her first panic attack just before a major gig supporting Celeste at London's Laylow. She recalls spiraling into a mental breakdown, feeling ashamed and wasting everyone's time. Her manager advised her to go home, but she chose to face her fear, performing "half crying" on stage.

The Brit School Milestone

Chinouriri's performance anxiety dates back to her time at the Brit School, where she burst into tears after singing for classmates. Despite this, she persevered, learning that catastrophic scenarios rarely come true. "The fact that I could stand up there completely embarrassed... but I still got through it and everything was fine," she says.

How She Became Pop's Favorite Support Act

Today, Chinouriri is the go-to opener for stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams. Her ability to connect with audiences despite her anxiety has made her a sought-after performer. She credits her growth to embracing vulnerability and reframing fear as excitement.

Key Takeaways from Rachel Chinouriri's Journey

• Embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness.
• Face your fears gradually; each success builds resilience.
• Reframe negative self-talk with realistic thinking.
• Seek professional help if anxiety becomes overwhelming.
• Remember that audiences are more forgiving than you think.

Mental Health Tips for Performers

Chinouriri advises young artists to practice self-compassion and to normalize discussing mental health. She emphasizes that stage fright is common and can be managed with breathing techniques, therapy, and gradual exposure.

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