Aussie star Tones and I breaks down in stage appearance with Drew Barrymore

The Dance Monkey singer has given an emotional interview with a Drew Barrymore about standing up to online trolls and “going off the rails”.

Hollywood superstar Drew Barrymore hosted soul-baring and emotionally-charged conversations with Dannii Minogue and Tones and I in Sydney on Friday night.

“In any way you could go off the rails in the last four years, I have,” Melbourne’s global chart topper, Tones and I, born Toni Watson, told Barrymore at the Wanderlust True North event. “And I mean that. In any way, in your mind, you can think of someone going off the rails. I’ve done it.

“And that will be the most I’ll say about it,” Watson added. “I’ve been lucky enough that it hasn’t become public.”

Watson, whose debut single Dance Monkey has clocked up 3.1 billion streams, was emotional as she opened up about facing trolls and relentless bullying online.

Drew Barrymore talks with Melbourne singer Tones and I. Picture: Belinda Palmada

“The first time it happened, someone told me to just ignore it,” she said. “If you saw 50 people attacking someone in a public space … you wouldn’t step up? But online, it’s okay?

“Then I realised, unfortunately, that fighting it was so much harder than ignoring it.

“I don’t ignore it for myself now. I ignore it for my nanna, I ignore it for my family, and the people I want to seem strong to. And in seeming strong, just like when you hang around with good people, you become a better person. You become strong,” Watson said.

“Time heals, you become stronger, you devalue the people that live to bring people down, and you focus on the good. But we need to understand, talk, and look at each other. Be better, people.”

Watson broke down in tears while performing two songs at the event.

Tones and I breaks down on stage during An Evening With Drew Barrymore. Picture: Belinda Palmada

Barrymore also spoke to Minogue, a singer, actor, TV host, about growing up in the spotlight. Minogue began her showbiz career in Young Talent Time in 1982.

“When you’re a child, growing up and going through all of these different stages … some people who meet me in the street still see me as that little person,” Minogue said.

But Minogue made a pact with herself not to live with “other people’s expectations” of who, or what, she should be.

“I’ve always done what I want to do, because it’s me,” she said. “I’m there at the end of the day, and if I’m not happy, then none of this is worth it.”

Minogue said the word “no” has been a powerful tool in her career, and life.

Tones and I’s global hit Dance Monkey has clocked up 3.1 billion streams. Picture: Evan Morgan

“No, for me, is way more powerful than yes,” she said. “It’s so defining. It quickly gets you to the place where you’re meant to be, where you’re honest with yourself.”

Barrymore’s movie hits include ET, Charlie’s Angels and 50 First Dates. However, in recent years, she has pivoted into a popular talk show host and mental health guru.

At Wanderlust True North, a wellness event, Barrymore spoke passionately about life’s chapters, fixing mistakes, changing narratives, motherhood, ageing, and importance of human connection

She was candid about her decision to quit drinking. Barrymore said she used alcohol to cope with the “voices” of doubt and insecurity in her mind.

“This toxic poison makes me behave in a way where I do not respect myself, I’m not trustworthy, and I hate myself,” Barrymore said. “I got so sick in being disappointed in myself.”

A child star from a powerful Hollywood dynasty, Barrymore also said she had no boundaries growing up.

“I grew up in a way that had so much access, and so much excess. No-one would really tell me no,” Barrymore said. “Now I’m a mum, I realise kids need to hear no. We have to be OK and comfortable with their discomfort with no.

“We all need no sometimes; no to ourselves and no from others. There are boundaries and guidelines that are important for all of us.”

Barrymore also interviewed musician G Flip and swimming legend Michael Klim.

She will host another Wanderlust True North event in Brisbane on Saturday night.