Why Sia Feels ‘Terrible Shame’ About Throwing Maddie Ziegler Into Spotlight

In 2014, Dance Moms‘ Maddie Ziegler rose to incredible fame after starring in the music video for Sia‘s critically acclaimed hit, “Chandelier.” Since then, the teenager’s career has continued to soar with her appearing in films, television, and concerts, covering fashion magazines, and even releasing her own memoir, The Maddie Diaries.

Though the Australian singer is to thank for much of Ziegler’s fame, she actually feels “terrible shame” for throwing the former reality star into the spotlight at such a young age.

Sia and Maddie Ziegler have collaborated many times throughout the years

Though Ziegler rose to fame starring on the hit Lifetime show, Dance Moms, her career skyrocketed once she started working alongside Sia.

The two first collaborated on the singer’s “Chandelier” music video, which gained the young dancer wider recognition.

The pair continued to collaborate on projects together, with Ziegler accompanying Sia on tours and starring in other music videos like Elastic Heart and Cheap Thrills.

After working alongside one another for the last few years, Sia and Ziegler have developed an exceptionally close bond. So much so that the teenager even considers the Grammy-nominee to be her godmother.

“The day we met we clicked, and we knew that it was a special connection,” Ziegler said during a 2019 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Sia feels guilty she helped make Maddie into a big star

Even though Ziegler’s career seriously took off thanks to Sia including her in many of her music videos, the Australian singer feels some remorse for making the young dancer into a massive star.

During a recent interview on the Zach Sang Show, Sia opened up about her relationship with the teenager, who was just 11-years-old when she amassed solo fame.

Though Ziegler has gone on to become one of the most famous — and wealthy — generation Z-ers in the industry, the singer feels “terrible shame” about throwing the dancer into the spotlight at a young age.

“I wasn’t conscious at the time. I had no idea ‘Chandelier’ was going to be so massive,” she explained. “I just had no idea then she would blow and be this famous little teenager.”

According to the Aussie singer, she didn’t feel like it was fair to throw Maddie into the spotlight, especially since she never really enjoyed the attention that came with being a famous artist.

“The irony is that I didn’t want to be famous and I threw this child into the spotlight,” Sia added.

But despite feeling uncomfortable with fame, the singer says Ziegler embraced the limelight early on as she’s always wanted to be a big star.

“She would say to me, ‘Don’t be silly—I was already famous and I wanted to be famous,'” the Aussie singer recalled. “She said, ‘No, I just love performing. I love dancing and I love acting so much,’ and so I thought how’s a good way I can keep her safe is just keep making projects for her and therefore most of the time, we’re working together.”

Sia continues to serve as Maddie Ziegler’s mentor and protective parental figure

Though she still feels guilty for making Ziegler into a huge phenomenon, Sia has come to terms with the dancer’s success and continues to support her in any way she can.

One way she does this is by acting “like a bodyguard” when Ziegler is around, ensuring that she helps guide the teenager on the right path.

“But I’ve taken responsibility for it in as much as that I provide her security,” Sia said. “That’s the most I can do really and that I’m always here for if she wants to cry or has a bad day or has questions about life—that’s what I’m here for.”