Susanna Reid experienced a minor on-air misstep when music legend Donny Osmond corrected her during a live discussion on Good Morning Britain.

The exchange occurred on Thursday, March 6, as Susanna and her co-host Ed Balls interviewed the renowned singer via video link about his latest Las Vegas residency.

While discussing the experiences of child stars in the entertainment industry,

Susanna suggested that Donny had never encountered the kind of struggles that many young performers face.

However, Donny was quick to clarify the record, explaining that his transition from teen idol to adult entertainer was anything but smooth.

Susanna’s On-Air Slip-Up

The conversation turned to the challenges of growing up in the public eye,

with Susanna referencing actress Millie Bobby Brown, who has previously spoken about feeling trapped in her youthful image. Susanna pointed out how audiences often struggle to let child stars grow up, expecting them to remain frozen in time as their younger selves.

She went on to mention Guy Chambers’ recent comments suggesting that individuals shouldn’t join boy bands before the age of 18, as a way to protect young performers from the pressures of fame. Susanna then turned to Donny, implying that he had never encountered similar struggles as a young star.

“But you’re embracing your 14-year-old self’s experience,” she stated. “You’ve had no experiences that relate to that.”

It was at this point that Donny interjected, correcting her assumption.

Donny Sets the Record Straight

Politely but firmly, Donny responded: “Well, that’s not quite true. That’s not quite true.”

He went on to open up about the difficulties he faced while making the transition from a teen sensation to a respected adult performer. The shift, he explained, was challenging, as audiences and industry professionals alike often struggled to accept him in a new light.

“I went through a very difficult time transitioning from a teeny-bopper to an adult entertainer,” Donny explained. “For people to accept all of that, it was a very difficult transition.”

However, he credited certain career moments for helping him gain credibility as an adult artist. He specifically highlighted his success with:

His hit song “Soldier of Love”, which played a key role in redefining his career

His starring role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which allowed him to showcase his theatrical talents

His victory on Dancing with the Stars and participation in Strictly Come Dancing, both of which helped reinvent his public image

“Those types of shows helped to establish me as an adult,” he added. “It’s a lot easier to go back and embrace the teeny-bopper career because I was already accepted as an adult.”

Donny’s Long Journey in the Spotlight

Donny Osmond has been in the entertainment industry for decades, first stepping into the limelight at just five years old as part of The Osmonds, a group he performed in alongside his four older brothers. Together, they achieved massive success, securing top ten hits and gold albums.

In the early 1970s, Donny ventured into a solo career, which further solidified his place as a music icon. Though he was widely adored by fans, his teen idol status later presented challenges when he tried to evolve as an artist.

His career rebirth in later years proved his versatility, allowing him to become a respected performer across different fields, from music and theater to television competitions.

A Respectful Exchange

Although Susanna’s comment misrepresented Donny’s experience, the exchange remained cordial and professional, with the singer taking the opportunity to share his perspective without tension.

As one of the most enduring figures in the entertainment industry, Donny’s ability to navigate the ups and downs of fame has been remarkable. His career story serves as an example of how child stars can evolve, even if the transition is far from easy.

Meanwhile, Susanna and Ed continued their interview with genuine interest, ensuring that the discussion remained engaging for viewers.

While Susanna may have made a misjudgment, Donny’s response provided an insightful glimpse into the realities of growing up in the limelight—a topic that continues to be relevant for young stars in modern Hollywood.