Up Close Q and A

You live mostly in America now, but you will be performing during the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in your native Australia. Which country will you root for?

It would have to be Australia. There’s a connection there a feeling I get that’s very special. I’m sure Americans will forgive me.

You were diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy in 1992. Was there a time when you thought you might not survive?

The night before a big test to detect other tumors, my imagination went wild, imagining that the cancer was everywhere, that I was going to die. But I made a decision that I was going to be OK. And [at 51] I feel very lucky, because I know a lot of women who didn’t make it.

You’ve been dating lighting engineer Patrick McDermott for four years. What was it about him that caught your eye?

I didn’t really want a boyfriend, and he didn’t want a girlfriend, but we were both going through divorces, and it was nice to have a friend to talk to. He was very considerate and thoughtful and funny.

Your daughter, Chloe, is now 14. Does she have stars in her eyes?

Oh, yes. She wants to sing and act. Her voice is lovely. I think if I do a concert, I’d have her come do a couple songs with me.

Does she listen to your music?

No why should she? I’m her mum! She loves Britney Spears, but Christina Aguilera is her favorite artist in the whole world.

By WILLIAM KECK