IU Reveals That She Wrote "Celebrity" Based On A Close Friend Who Was Scrutinized For Being Different From Everyone Else

IU‘s fresh release, “Celebrity”, and its easy, soothing melody and sweet vocals captured fans yet again, but the real show-stopper was the meaningful lyrics.

IU introduced the album’s title track to fans by revealing the inspiration behind “Celebrity”. The track was actually inspired by a friend of hers. Although unnamed, IU revealed that the friend often drew attention for her eclectic clothing choice and tastes, varied talents, and shy nature. However, others treated her as an odd person for it.

The way you walk, the way you dress, even the music through your headphones, they’re all the minority

— IU, “Celebrity”

IU loved her friend even more for all these “oddities” as it made her more so herself, but the friend lived under scrutiny and hate. She wrote the lyrics based on what she wanted to tell the friend, and it soon blossomed into a fully-fledged song.

Can’t you see, how beautiful this one-of-a-kindness is?

— IU, “Celebrity”

The song is one that IU feels will relate to many, as people will eventually come to a point where they have experienced being the odd one out, at least once in their lives. IU wanted to convey to these people that they are not “someone who comes from the stars” (often used to describe odd people) but “are a star themselves“!