Rita Wilson Thanks Demi Moore for Encouraging Her to Sing ‘Publicly’ for the First Time Ever in “Now and Then”

**Rita Wilson Reflects on Her Musical Journey Amidst Long-Standing Friendship with Demi Moore**

Rita Wilson, an accomplished actress and producer, shared her musical beginnings during a recent event in New York City. Speaking on 28 April 2026 at the “Sound of a Woman” event, the 69-year-old reflected on her career evolution, crediting her friend Demi Moore and songwriter Kara DioGuardi for their pivotal roles in her journey as a singer-songwriter.

Wilson’s career in the entertainment industry has been extensive, covering film, television, and production. However, over the last decade, she has also embraced her identity as a recording artist. Discussing her path to music, Wilson recounted a significant moment from her past that occurred while filming the 1995 comedy “Now and Then”—a film in which both she and Moore starred. It was during the filming of this movie that Wilson first stepped out of her comfort zone and sang publicly.

The importance of that moment was made clear during her conversation with Moore at a 92NY event, held to promote Wilson’s latest album, “Sound of a Woman,” due for release on 1 May. “We have been friends for a very, very long time; I’d say around 30 years,” Wilson noted as she reminisced about their close friendship. “You encouraged me to sing. I had never sung publicly before, and I had some serious doubts about it.”

Wilson took a trip down memory lane, recalling the specific scene in “Now and Then” where her character, Chrissy, sings The Jackson Five’s “I’ll Be There.” She revealed that prior to that very moment, she had never shared her singing voice with anyone. “That was the first moment I ever did anything like that publicly,” she acknowledged, turning to Moore with gratitude. “So that’s thanks to you.”

Since that fateful day, Wilson’s music career has flourished. She has released several albums, including “AM/FM,” “Halfway to Home,” “Bigger Picture,” and “Now & Forever: Duets.” Each project has marked significant milestones in her artistic expression. Her upcoming album, “Sound of a Woman,” signifies a new phase in her music career.

While Wilson’s acting achievements are impressive, her songwriting has become equally important to her. During her heartfelt dialogue with Moore, Wilson also paid tribute to Kara DioGuardi, an influential figure who played a crucial role in encouraging her writing aspirations. “I love to shout out people who I appreciate,” Wilson said, acknowledging DioGuardi, who was also attending the event.

Wilson vividly recalled a transformative interaction with DioGuardi, describing a moment when the songwriter asked her, “What do you want to do?” Hesitant and uncertain, Wilson admitted her aspirations to become a songwriter but expressed doubts stemming from her lack of musical training. “I said I could never be a songwriter like you; I don’t even play an instrument or read music,” she shared. However, instead of dissuading her, DioGuardi motivated Wilson by offering to co-write her first song.

This simple but profound offer ultimately paved the way for Wilson’s songwriting journey. “That moment turned everything around for me,” she noted. The encouragement and support she received imbued Wilson with confidence, enabling her to translate her thoughts and experiences into song form.

The evening event served as a reunion for Wilson and Moore, highlighting their long-standing friendship that has endured through the years. Their mutual admiration was palpable, and the atmosphere was filled with nostalgia as both actresses reminisced about their paths in Hollywood. Wilson’s journey from actress to singer-songwriter is a testament to her resilience and artistic spirit.

As she prepares to release her latest album, Wilson remains dedicated to exploring and expanding her musical abilities, all while cherishing the friendships and connections that have shaped her career. With her renewed focus on music, fans eagerly await her upcoming works, proving that creativity has no age limit, and inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.

Rita Wilson’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the importance of community support, signifying how friendships can inspire individuals to overcome their apprehensions and follow their dreams.