My Anxiety Shows Up at Every Show – But I Keep Performing Anyway

Article by Manuela Bittencourt – 07/31/2025

The lights go down.

The crowd buzzes.

Your heart is racing – but not in a good way.

You feel sick. Your chest is tight. Your hands are sweaty. You suddenly want to run. 

Welcome to the side of performing that nobody posts about.

The Anxiety No One Sees

Performing is supposed to be euphoric, right?

But for many artists, it’s also terrifying. The pressure to deliver. The fear of messing up. The self-doubt screaming louder than the monitors.

You might smile through it.

You might pull it off.

But inside, you’re battling a storm.

This doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

The Biology of Stage Anxiety

Performance anxiety isn’t just “nerves.” It’s a physical response.

Your brain senses a threat (judgment, failure, exposure) and flips into fight-or-flight mode. Adrenaline spikes. Breathing shortens. Thoughts spiral.

And while some performers channel that energy into power, others feel like they’re drowning in it.

You’re Not Alone

Some of the biggest artists in the world deal with this.

• Adele has said she throws up before nearly every show.
• Shawn Mendes canceled an entire tour to take care of his mental health.
• Zayn Malik left One Direction in part because of overwhelming anxiety.
• Billie Eilish has openly talked about debilitating anxiety and self-doubt—even while winning Grammys and performing in front of millions.

If this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. You’re not “unprofessional.” 

You’re part of a long line of brave musicians who do it anyway. 

This Is What It Can Look Like

I remember standing at the side of the stage, my whole body trembling as I heard my name called. It was my turn. When I took the mic, my hands were shaking so badly I thought I might drop it.

I smiled as I walked out—but inside, I was screaming.

That night, no one seemed to notice the panic.

But I felt every second of it.

And still, I performed.

If you’ve ever been there, you’re not alone.

I promise it gets better with time.

Keep reminding yourself why you’re doing it: because you love it. Because, deep down, it makes you feel alive.

How Artists Cope (For Real)

Different artists have found their own ways to cope with performance anxiety:

• Billie Eilish surrounds herself with family and leans on therapy.
• Adele uses grounding techniques and deep breathing to calm her nerves.

Try things. Find what works. It’s not one-size-fits-all—and that’s okay.

How to Keep Going (Without Burning Out)

• Name it. Saying “I’m anxious” takes away its power. Hiding it makes it worse.
• Ground yourself. Breathe deep. Press your feet into the floor. Focus on one small thing – a sound, a touch, a lyric.
• Create rituals. A warm-up, a prayer, a lucky charm – rituals help signal safety to your brain.
• Talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or bandmate. You’re not supposed to go through it alone.
• Say no when needed. Protect your limits. Pulling out of a gig to protect your health is strength, not weakness.

Why So Many of Us Feel This

When your art is tied to your identity, putting it out there can feel like putting your soul on display.

That’s vulnerable. That’s scary.
But it’s also one of the bravest things you can do.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety doesn’t cancel out your talent. 

Fear doesn’t erase your passion. 

You can be terrified and still take the stage. 

You can be anxious and still be brilliant. 

So here’s to all the artists who perform through the shakes, the sweats, and the spirals.

 That’s not weakness. That’s courage.