Michael Bublé has long been celebrated as the voice of modern jazz and swing, captivating audiences worldwide with timeless hits like Haven’t Met You Yet, Feeling Good, and his beloved holiday performances. Yet behind the smooth vocals and charming smile, the Canadian crooner recently shared a deeply personal truth: he has quietly battled anxiety and ADHD throughout much of his career.
“Some nights I couldn’t breathe, but I still walked onstage,” Bublé revealed in a heartfelt conversation about the challenges of performing under immense pressure.
For years, the Grammy-winning artist kept the intensity of his struggles private, worried that showing vulnerability might distract from his music. The heavy expectations of sold-out arenas, flawless performances, and maintaining his role as an entertainer often clashed with an internal storm. “On the outside, I was calm and collected,” he said. “Inside, I was sometimes in chaos.”
Adding to the complexity, Bublé described how ADHD affected his focus and preparation. Rehearsals could feel overwhelming, and maintaining concentration backstage was difficult. Yet, he credits the condition with also fueling his creativity and stage energy. “My brain moves fast, and sometimes it feels overwhelming,” he admitted. “But it’s also the reason I can think on my feet and pour so much energy into my shows.”
What kept Bublé going was a deep sense of responsibility to his fans. “Even on the nights I was gasping for air inside, I told myself: someone out there saved up for months to be here. I owe them everything I’ve got.”
He also highlighted the importance of therapy, mindfulness, and the support of his family in managing his mental health. His wife, Luisana Lopilato, and their children have been his anchors during moments when anxiety threatened to overwhelm him. “They remind me of who I really am — not the guy on stage, but a husband, a father, a human being trying his best.”
For his fans, Bublé’s candidness only strengthens the emotional resonance of his music. Knowing the ballads about love and longing come from someone who has faced inner struggles while choosing to show up makes his songs all the more powerful.
“I’ve learned that being open doesn’t make me weak,” he said softly. “It makes me real. And maybe, just maybe, it helps someone else know they’re not alone.”