Back in 1987, a 15-year-old from Norwalk, California, named Tiffany Renee Darwish, burst onto the music scene with her debut album, Tiffany. It was a whirlwind ride that saw her selling records in the millions and performing on shopping mall tours across the United States. Hits like “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been” turned her into a teenage idol, captivating fans everywhere. But behind the glitz and glamor, Tiffany had a lot to navigate — both personally and professionally.
In a candid conversation with Closer Weekly, Tiffany, now 48, opens up about the ups and downs of fame. "Fame is wild," she says. "It hits you hard, no matter how old you are when you step into it. There were times I thought, 'Do I really want to be doing this? I'd rather just go shopping!' But looking back, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything."
Life wasn’t all smooth sailing for Tiffany. She faced challenges at home, including conflicts with her mom and stepdad, which led her to seek emancipation in 1988. "That was a tough time," she recalls. "But I've come so far since then. Now, I'm in one of the best phases of my life. Having my son, Elijah, has been the greatest joy, and I feel like I'm finally living my dream."
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Scroll down to read Closer Weekly's exclusive interview with Tiffany Renee Darwish!
Hey, Tiffany! Tell us what's been keeping you busy lately?
Well, I've been on tour for the past three years straight, and now I'm moving back to L.A. This move allowed me to participate in the NAMM [National Association of Music Merchants] show in January. It's been a big shift for me, and I'm learning to prioritize self-care, which is something new for me. I used to think I was invincible, always on the go, but now I've realized it's okay to slow down, take a nap, or just have some downtime. Meditation has become a big part of my routine; it helps me stay balanced and nurtured.
That's great to hear! How did the idea for covering "I Think We’re Alone Now" come about?
Back in the day, my producer, George Tobin, suggested it. At first, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea because I was more into artists like Sheryl Crow and wanted to explore that style. But when I recorded it, something magical happened. I've never grown tired of performing that song, and I'm so grateful for its success. It's become a defining moment in my career.
What was your favorite song to perform back then?
Definitely "Could’ve Been." It showcases my vocal range and emotion. I’ve always been drawn to melancholic ballads, and writing songs like that is something I truly love. It’s where I feel most authentic as an artist.
Any standout moments from your early career?
Meeting Stevie Nicks was unforgettable. She was such an idol of mine, and there I was, helping her off stage and chatting with her. She was so kind and supportive, asking me about my journey and how I was enjoying the experience. That moment solidified my love for music and the community it brings.
Was the rivalry with Debbie Gibson real?
Absolutely not! We didn't even know each other back then. It was all manufactured by the media, but over time, we’ve become great friends. We respect and admire each other now, even though we’re completely different artists. She’s like a sister to me.
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How did you first break into the entertainment world?
It all started with my mom. She noticed how outgoing and expressive I was as a kid, always smiling and talking to people. She entered me into pageants, and from there, I got into dance and singing. When my mom married my stepfather, he encouraged me to pursue music. He came from a strict military background, and while we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, he played a crucial role in my career.
What was your relationship like with your stepfather?
We had our differences, especially since he had a very strict upbringing. But later in life, when he was battling stage 4 cancer, I took care of him. It was a healing experience for both of us. He became an amazing grandfather to my son, Elijah, and I’m grateful for the bond we built. It taught me the importance of forgiveness and understanding.
How did the emancipation process affect you?
It was a challenging time. I wanted to live with my grandparents, but my mom was getting back together with my stepfather, and that environment wasn’t healthy for me. I realized I needed to focus on my career and take care of myself. Looking back, it was a necessary step, though it wasn’t easy. We’ve all grown and learned from those experiences.
What’s the status of your relationship with your second husband, Ben?
We’ve been separated for about a year now. The music industry wasn’t something he wanted to fully commit to, but he’s always been supportive of me. It’s not a bitter split; we’re just going our separate ways. Love evolves, and sometimes that means parting ways amicably.
How’s your son, Elijah, doing?
Elijah is thriving! He’s a structural engineer, and he’s just incredible. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Even though I got married young, having him grounded me during the wild ride of the music industry. Now, I have nieces and nephews who mean the world to me. Family is everything to me.
Any life lessons you’d like to share?
Life is all about moving forward. Don’t dwell on the past; it only makes you smarter and stronger. I view life as one big adventure, and every experience, good or bad, contributes to that journey. Keep pushing forward and embrace every moment!
Reporting by Diana Cooper
