Meghan Trainor ‘I Knew This Would Be My Year’

Asked to rank her year on a scale of one to 10, Meghan Trainor doesn’t hesitate: “This is the year I won a Grammy, right?” says the 2016 best new artist with a laugh. “Ten!” Since the smash success of her “All About That Bass” Trainor has duetted with Harry Styles and John Legend, co-written charting hits for Jennifer Lopez “Ain’t Your Mama” and Fifth Harmony “Sledgehammer”, and, most recently, released her second album, Thank You, which peaked at No. 3 on the strength of brassy lead single “No,” Trainor’s fourth Hot 100 top 10 hit. “Growing up, I remember I always wanted to be 22,” says Trainor. “Now I am. I’ve finished a tour and sold out every show; got a Grammy; I have an amazing new boyfriend. For some reason, I knew this would be my year.”

Writing How-Tos: 
“When I walk into the studio, the first thing I think is, ‘I’m dealing with this right now, but can I make a male relate to this too? Or a mother?’ When I write about universal concepts, other artists are like fans: ‘Oh, my God, I feel the same way!’ ”

Horror Habit: 
“I’ve been on that American Horror Story grind. But I’m afraid of the dark! I have so many night lights in my room.”

Kindred Spirit: 
“My boyfriend knows what it’s like to be on a red carpet, to be super hot for a second with everyone talking about you. It’s nice to have someone who actually understands.”