Natalie Imbruglia: When were you most embarrassed? — FLAPSS

The question

When were you most embarrassed?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A verbatim recurring question in The Guardian's Q&A series.

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Natalie Imbruglia

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Forgetting the words to my own songs on stage. I’m a very good mumbler of my own songs. You’d be surprised how few people notice – if you smile and do it confidently, they’re none the wiser.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Sharleen Spiteri

Going on stage and saying, “Good evening Lyon!” I was in Marseille.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 May 2024 source ↗

Giving a speech in high school at a pep rally that wasn’t going so well and the dean unplugged the mic. Apparently, I was rambling and the spirit of the cafeteria was being weighed down.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 February 2026 source ↗

When I was 16, my dad got drunk at the Oval cricket ground and harangued Sir Garry Sobers, possibly the greatest cricketer of all time, because he didn’t agree with who he’d given as man of the match.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Bryn Terfel Welsh bass-baritone singer

One horrible afternoon in Chicago when I forgot my words in The Marriage of Figaro, in a role I’d sung hundreds of times.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 November 2024 source ↗

More from Natalie Imbruglia

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Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

My younger self for being hard on myself.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Not having the ability to say sorry when they’re wrong.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Question What thought won't let you sleep? Daily life

I worry a lot about how to juggle being a single parent and working – scheduling keeps me up at night!

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

Finally nailing being on time.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Question What most recently moved you to tears? Identity & self

On the way here, because I was late.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have ever had? Craft & work

I’ve enjoyed every single job, including working at my dad’s chicken shop selling potato gems (fried potato circles) to the surfer dudes.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

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