David Foster’s Fear of Elevators: A Flight of Stairs and a Serenade by Pavarotti

David Foster, the renowned music mogul who has shaped the careers of iconic artists like Celine Dion and Michael Bublé, is not immune to human foibles. Behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry lies a surprising phobia: a crippling fear of elevators. The 75-year-old Grammy winner recently opened up about his claustrophobia, revealing the lengths he goes to avoid confined spaces and recounting a memorable elevator experience with the legendary Luciano Pavarotti.

"I literally never take an elevator. It’s claustrophobia," Foster confessed to The Wall Street Journal. "I’ve been in an elevator five times in my adult life. Three of those were for surgeries in the hospital. I was drugged, so it was OK."

Foster’s aversion to elevators is so profound that he has chosen to climb countless flights of stairs throughout his life, opting for the arduous journey over the perceived confinement of a lift. He considers the stairs his exercise regime, a testament to his commitment to avoiding his fear.

Despite his steadfast avoidance, there have been a few exceptions to Foster’s anti-elevator rule, moments when extraordinary circumstances forced him to confront his claustrophobia. One such instance involved the operatic titan Luciano Pavarotti and a duet with Celine Dion.

Foster recounted a time when he was working with Pavarotti and Dion at the opera singer’s 20th-floor apartment in New York City. As the evening progressed, wine flowed freely, and the atmosphere became increasingly convivial. When Foster decided to leave, he made for the stairs, but Pavarotti intervened.

"I was working with him and Celine [Dion] on a duet and then the wine’s flowing, everybody’s drinking, and I said, ‘I’m leaving now,’ and I started to go for the stairs. And he goes, ‘No. Today you don’t, today you take the elevator,’" Foster recalled.

Pavarotti insisted that Foster abandon his usual stair-climbing routine and join him in the elevator. What followed was an experience that Foster would never forget. The elevator was small, so small it contained a seat. Pavarotti grabbed Foster, pulled him onto his lap, and began to serenade him with a powerful rendition of "Ave Maria."

"He sings ‘Ave Maria’ in my f—ing ears so loud. I mean, Pavarotti’s singing to me all the way down," Foster described, the memory still vivid.

The image of the world-renowned tenor holding Foster captive on his lap, belting out a religious aria at close range, is both comical and touching. It highlights the unique bond between the two musicians and Pavarotti’s playful attempt to ease Foster’s anxiety.

Foster shared this anecdote in response to a question about his exercise routine, highlighting his lifelong dedication to avoiding elevators. He proudly declared, "I’ve taken millions of stairs in my life."

He then cited an example of his extreme stair-climbing efforts. During a stay at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore while filming "Asia’s Got Talent," Foster repeatedly walked up 65 flights of stairs to reach the pool. The staggering number of flights underscores the lengths to which Foster is willing to go to circumvent his phobia.

Beyond his fear of elevators, Foster’s life is filled with remarkable achievements and personal milestones. The 16-time Grammy winner recently celebrated his 75th birthday with a star-studded celebration at the Hollywood Bowl. The event featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson, and other luminaries, a testament to Foster’s influence and connections within the music industry.

Foster playfully referred to the birthday celebration as his "funeral while I was still alive." He joked, "I called that night my funeral while I was still alive. ‘Hey, he’s such a great guy.’ ‘Hey, I’m right here!’"

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Foster is also a devoted father. When asked what he is most proud of, he replied, "I feel really good about my children."

Foster’s personal life has garnered significant attention, particularly his relationship with his wife, Katharine McPhee. McPhee, who is 35 years younger than Foster, met him when she was a contestant on "American Idol" nearly 20 years ago. In 2006, McPhee was the runner-up in the show’s fifth season. The couple married in 2019 and welcomed their first child, Rennie, in February 2021.

In January 2023, McPhee expressed her desire to have more children, stating, "We’re not in any crazy rush, but I hope so because I love being a mom. I really love it."

Rennie is Foster’s sixth child. He has five adult daughters from previous marriages: Alison, Amy, Sara, Erin, and Jordan. Foster’s extensive family reflects his life experiences and his commitment to his children.

David Foster’s fear of elevators is an unexpected detail in the life of a music industry titan. It reveals a vulnerable side to the producer, reminding us that even the most successful individuals can struggle with phobias and anxieties. From climbing countless stairs to being serenaded by Pavarotti in a tiny elevator, Foster’s journey highlights the power of facing one’s fears, one step at a time. It’s a quirky, humanizing anecdote that adds another layer to the complex persona of David Foster, the man behind the music.