It’s been a whirlwind two years for Ciara Princess Harris — best known simply by her first name, Ciara.
The talented 20-year old singer has taken the world by storm since her debut album “Goodies” hit the stands in September 2004. With hits like the title track, “1, 2 Step,” “Oh” and “And I,” Ciara has become one of the hottest artists in music today.
“I was absolutely flabbergasted (with the success of the album),” Ciara said. “I’ve been doing this for two years off one album and I’ve been really blessed — I’m speechless.”
Ciara called the past two years the highlight of her life, especially winning a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for her participation in “Lose Control” with Missy Elliott and Fatman Scoop.
She’s also been a popular guest performer on songs such as “Lose Control” and Field Mob’s current hit, “So What.”
A military child, Ciara was born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Atlanta. A popular story that made the rounds is that Ciara was inspired to pursue a career in music after seeing a televised performance of Destiny’s Child, but it was more than that.
“Whenever I saw anyone perform, I would really be inspired,” she said. “Michael (Jackson), Janet (Jackson) and Whitney (Houston) were my main influences.”
Ciara got a big thrill at the 2004 Super Bowl when she got to hang out with Houston. She also got to meet Janet Jackson and has even discussed doing a song with her.
But the big one for her was a phone call with Michael Jackson. She participated in a charity single written and produced by Jackson called “I Have This Dream.”
“Michael really threw me off,” she said. “It was just a phone call and I was like, ‘Wow, this is the guy who did the moonwalk.’”
Now Ciara is the one doing the inspiring — a role she is relishing.
“I definitely feel blessed,” she said. “There are a lot of young girls out there and I write songs for them.”
Already a success in singing and songwriting, Ciara recently tackled a new arena — acting. She made her film debut in the MTV movie “All I Got,” which premiered on the network last weekend and was released on DVD earlier this week.
Ciara plays Becca, a girl from a wealthy family trying to find herself through activities like volleyball.
“I was really able to identify with her,” Ciara said. “She does some crazy things (in this film), but it all ends with a really good message.”
Ciara called the acting experience “really fun” and a bit of a departure from doing music videos which, for her, are mainly performance pieces showcasing her considerable dancing skills.
“I think the sky’s the limit for me (when it comes to acting),” Ciara said.
Ciara is also doing a little modeling in an ad campaign for Candies clothing and shoe line at Kohls, along with Hilary Duff, Michelle Trachtenberg and Samarie Armstrong.
She’s also looking at ideas for her next album, for which she plans to work again with producer Jazze Pha (who was the producer on “Goodies”) and hopefully some other big names.
“I’m very excited about the new album,” she said. “I want it to be good, but my most important goal is to be the best entertainer possible and give the best to my fans.”
That includes those in Alabama for Jubilee.
“This will be my first time in Alabama as a performer and I hope everyone comes out and has fun,” she said.
