Annie Lennox reveals ADHD diagnosis, calls neurodivergence a 'superpower'

Annie Lennox, the 70-year-old singer and former Eurythmics frontwoman, has revealed she is neurodivergent after being diagnosed with ADHD. The disclosure came during a conversation on BBC's Woman's Hour with host Nuala McGovern. Neurodivergence is a broad term used to describe brains that process, learn or behave differently from what is considered typical, and ADHD is one condition that falls under that umbrella. Lennox described ADHD in terms of daily experience, noting that it can involve trouble with concentration, restlessness and finishing tasks, while framing the diagnosis as a lens through which she now understands her mind and its strengths.

'I'm a magpie, I observe things, I'm highly sensitive. And I found out that I actually am a bit neurodivergent,' she said. She added that she passed the test with flying colours. Lennox's remarks come as part of a broader discussion about how neurodivergent traits can intersect with artistic work and public life. 'It's explained a great deal to me about how my mind works and how other people with ADHD, how their mind works. It's not an easy thing to live with but it's also a superpower. I think it does bring brilliance - I'm not saying that I am brilliant, but I'll take that!' 'For most of my life I aspired to brilliance, let's say, through the medium of music, through the medium of language, lyrical, presentation, all of that. All that curiosity has brought me to this place today in 2025 when I'm 70.'

In the interview, Lennox also spoke about the early days of the Eurythmics, describing their difficult but pivotal path to prominence. 'We formed after our first band The Tourists split. We loved the name Eurythmics. As we loved being European and 'rhythm' is in the name there. Nobody else got it but us,' she said. 'We really struggled but a new A&R man really loved us and said 'Basically, there is only one band I am taking on' and it was us. They let a lot of bands go, which was a shame, but it was good for us. If it had not had worked I thought I would have to go back to Scotland. Success takes you on these tremendous highs and it can take you down as well.'

Lennox also reflected on the androgynous look that became part of the pair's identity, alongside David Bowie’s era-defining style. 'The clothes gave us an identity. I guess we all have a sense of style,' she said. 'When you have the opportunity you go for it.' She described how the group's international reach expanded — Australia, Japan, Germany, Holland and France — and how the constant touring shaped their work: 'We lived to make music. If you are going to pursue excellence that is what you have to do. The clothes gave us an identity. I guess we all have a sense of style.' 'They wanted us in Australia, Japan, Germany, Holland. France so we travelled a lot. We were always on the road. We were writing, recording, doing videos, performing and being exhausted after doing two hour shows, dancing, sweating and peeling off the leather at the end of the night.'