Dami Im: I’m no perfect, Photoshopped pop star

DAMI Im has conquered Europe and Australia but insists she is clumsy and flawed and admits there are days when she still feels self-conscious.

Dami Im is every bit the superstar in sizzling red. Picture: Tāne Coffin

IN the past seven months, Dami Im has taken out second place at Eurovision, gone straight to No. 1 on the iTunes charts with her single Sound of Silence and sold out her Australian tour.

And yet, when Stellar suggests that 2016 is the Year of Im, she laughs.

It’s this humility that has garnered her a loyal fan base, dubbed the Dami Army.

“I think the reason people get behind me is because I’m not a perfect, confident, Photoshopped pop star,” says the 28-year-old.

Im wears Akira tunic $889, top (worn underneath), $719 and pants, $769, Linden Cook earrings $165, Ginger & Smart shoes $359. Picture: Tāne Coffin

“I am clumsy and I have many flaws. I think people relate to that. They are passionate about supporting me because my story is their story.”

Despite her so-called flaws, Im has found confidence with fame, more now than when she took out the fifth season of X Factor in 2013.

“There are still days when I feel self-conscious. It’s hard as I feel like everyone is looking at me, that I’m exposed,” she admits.

I am clumsy and I have many flaws. I think people relate to that. They are passionate about supporting me because my story is their story

“But I feel more confident [now] because people treat me with more respect. There are days when I’m like, ‘I can do this. I’ve got this!’”

Today is one of those days. Wearing a red Akira ensemble, she is dancing in front of the camera to a selection of chart hits. Away from the Stellar shoot, she is working on her own batch of songs and has just released her new single, Fighting For Love.

Im wears Christopher Esber dress $2250, Fendi shoes $1780. Picture: Tāne Coffin

Im wears Bianca Spender overalls $675, Topshop dress (underneath) $140, Linden Cook choker $135. Picture: Tāne Coffin

Im wears Alex Perry dress $1800, C/Meo Collective top (underneath) $170, Sol Sana shoes $209. Picture: Tāne Coffin

Im says the track is the start of a new era in her sound.

“For me, it’s about empowerment. I’ve always wanted to sing about love and to spread hope,” she explains.

“It’s kind of scary when you are bringing original songs out into the world. I have to embrace that vulnerability and see what happens.”

Following her Eurovision success, Im now hopes her new music will break internationally.

“I want to try out new markets, new countries and do a few trips around the world. Anything can happen!”

Dami’s single Fighting For Love is out now.

Styling: Gemma Keil

Hair: Anthony Nader

Make-up: Peter Beard

Originally published as Dami Im: I’m no perfect, Photoshopped pop star