Paul Anka Reflects on How Teen Idol Fame Completely Changed His Life
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The iconic singer-songwriter likened his journey to stardom to the rapid rise experienced by Justin Bieber.
Paul Anka is reflecting on the whirlwind of becoming a teenage music sensation.
The 84-year-old music icon recently joined The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan, where he looked back on his early fame and compared his experience to Justin Bieber’s meteoric rise after being discovered on YouTube as a young teenager.
Anka recalled that when Bieber first became a global star, Canadian newspapers often placed their stories side by side because both artists came from Canada.
“When Justin broke through, his success was all over Canada,” Anka said. “The newspapers printed photos of both of us since we both lived here, so people naturally made comparisons.”
The singer left Canada at just 15 years old to pursue his music career, which soon produced major hits such as “Diana” and “Lonely Boy.” Years later, he became closely associated with the Rat Pack and went on to write timeless songs, including Frank Sinatra’s signature hit “My Way,” released in 1969.
Looking back on his own journey, Anka said he never expected his passion for music to transform his life so dramatically.
“I was just a young kid chasing a dream,” he shared. “I wasn’t especially tall or known for my looks. I loved sports, but I stopped growing, and eventually I found something that completely changed the direction of my life.”
Despite achieving fame at a young age, Anka credited his parents with helping him stay grounded. He described his upbringing as a major source of stability, saying his father and mother constantly reminded him to keep life in perspective. He also reflected on the heartbreaking loss of his mother when he was 18, calling it one of the most difficult experiences he has ever faced.
More recently, Anka told PEOPLE that he has no interest in entering another relationship at this point in his life.
“I’ve experienced marriage,” he said. “I choose to remember the good parts, along with some of the challenges.”
He added that he now values living on his own, saying the peace and independence he enjoys have made this stage of life especially fulfilling and have allowed him to embrace growing older with contentment.