Pink

The Tough-girl Rock Star May Not Seem Like The Cheerleader Type, But What She Has To Say Will Make You Feel Like A Winner.

- Tiffany Blackstone

Pink, a.k.a. Alecia Moore, might want to try trademarking the word “badass.” According to an (unscientific) estimate, around 96.5798% of things written about her use the word. Deservedly, for sure. She came out celebrating her—and every woman’s—rough edges at a time when other pop superstars were the epitome of sweetness. Then she started soaring above concert crowds, performing Cirque du Soleil–worthy aerial routines while hitting every note. She rides motorcycles, is quick with a perfect comeback for Internet trolls, and…well, there are many reasons the singer has earned the title. But ask when she’s felt most powerful, and there is not a second of hesitation to consider: “Right now.”

In the past year the singer has been nominated for a Grammy, won an MTV Music Video Award, nailed the national anthem at the Super Bowl despite having the flu, and released the chart-topping album Beautiful Trauma. Amazing accomplishments for sure, but if you want to know the true source of her current confidence boost, go back and listen to her MTV rallying cry–slash–acceptance speech, about teaching her daughter to love herself. When the singer and I spoke soon after the start of her latest tour, it was clear that nothing gives her a bigger surge than being a mom to her children with husband Carey Hart: 7-year-old Willow and Jameson, who is 18 months old. Listen in as she shares what she’s learned, what scares her, and why she thinks all moms are badasses.

Do you see Alecia and Pink as two separate personalities?

Nope, but they’re both very tired [laughs]. I’ve never juggled so many damn plates in my life, but it’s because I want to. I enjoy it. If I had nannies raising my kids and just wanted to be a rock star and party all the time, I wouldn’t be successful and I wouldn’t be happy.