Meghan Trainor Takes on an All-New Role That Her Kids Love as Much as She Does
Meghan Trainor is setting the bar high for family vacations. She and her entire family—including her 1- and 3-year-old sons—are enjoying a dream trip compliments of her newest role: godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.
The Grammy-winning superstar is pulling out all the stops for an epic three-night shindig before the ship sails from Port Canaveral, Fla. on its maiden voyage on July 19.
"My 3-year-old is probably going to have the best vacation of his whole life," she tells Parade. "I brought my entire family because I know they would also have the best vacation.
"We've never done anything like this, and it's a dream come true. There are incredible water slides that you wouldn't believe. And I get to perform at a theater that overlooks the sea,” says Trainor. "My son finally thinks I’m really, really cool.”
Related: Meghan Trainor's Toddler Son Makes Surprise Cameo on 'Australian Idol'
For the special event, Trainor is breaking out a hand-bedazzled ukulele that she hasn't played since her last tour—7 years ago.
"When I pulled it out, some of the jewels fell off. So I spent this whole weekend sitting on my couch bedazzling it myself.
"I thought, ‘This performance has to be perfect. I'm the Godmother.’ I put a lot of heart and soul into this ukulele, and it looks so beautiful to shine in the light."
Before setting sail on her epic adventure, Trainor talked with Parade about motherhood, her upcoming tour and more.
What would your younger self think of all this fanfare?
“My younger self doesn't believe this is happening because she's always wanted to be on a vacation ship. She’s having a bucket list dream come true right now."
For the first eight years of your life you lived on Nantucket Island. Do you feel a connection to the sea?
I'm an Nantucket girlie. Cape Cod! We grew up by the sea, so I'm used to the ocean smells and feel at home on this ship. But I also don't love swimming in the ocean. When I was younger I was scared of the ocean. You can find me at the ship's pools.
Are you a good swimmer ?
I'm a phenomenal swimmer, but my 3-year-old is not. So we have to hold him and keep teaching him how to swim.
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In an interview on the Drew Barrymore Show, you mentioned that you can't be away from your kids for more than a week at a time. Why is that important for you?
I have wanted kids for a long time. And I thought, this career is going to make it harder. But having my kids made everything better in my life. So I made a rule for my team that I can't be away for them for more than a week. I miss them too much. They're so young. We don't want to drag them along and make them travel because it's exhausting for them.
But for something like this I knew I had to bring Riley [her 3-year-old] because he would love this ship. Every day he’s been so excited and says, “are we going to the ship yet? Are we at the ship yet?”
Can you put into words how becoming a mother has changed you?
I always say it feels like your heart is outside your body. It's in this little toddler running around and you're like “AHHHH.” You’re also thinking, "That person is my whole heart and soul." If they're sad, you're sad. They are a part of you. And what’s great is when they're happy, you’re beaming.
What do you sing to your children?
Riley has me singing every night. It’s like vocal warm-ups with this kid. Most recently he wants me to sing Bruno Mars’ "Uptown Funk" and it's exhausting. Sometimes he says, “Sing me a song.” And I say, “I'm too tired” and he says, “Dad sings all the time.” So I say, “OK."
Barry is one and doing bird calls, like, “RAAAAAAA” or “AH AH.” He’ll do that back and forth 100 times, so that's how he talks.
You're going on tour in September for your new album Timeless. What do you love about touring?
I love seeing the fans in every city. It's rare that I get to travel and meet fans in different states. I can't wait to get back on the road. Sometimes when I’m singing to my fans and they're screaming every word, I think, "I’ve done something magical and these people are awesome."
What is it like when your kids see you perform?
It's more cool for me. I don't know if it registers for them. I was doing sound check on the ship and my kid was waving to me from his room. And I was like, "Aren't I cool? Look, I'm singing!"
He will say, “Oh, you’re going to work?” I reply, “Yeah, I'm going to work.” And he says, "You're going to sing and everyone will say, 'yay' to you?” And I say, “Yeah, everyone says, 'yay,' to me.” I don’t know if he's getting it all, but he's really cute about it and will say, "good job, Mama.”
Next, Meghan Trainor and Daryl Sabara Share Birth Photos After Welcoming Baby No. 2
