September 08, 2004 @ 1:20 pm
VIBE Magazine: NEXT > Ciara - Model Performer
I’ve been singing all my life, but it was never my focus,” Ciara Harris says with a shrug while sitting in an uptown Atlanta café. “I wanted to be a professional model.” But working the runway wasn’t to be for the ATL-born stunner. Her true calling would be revealed to her when she saw Destiny’s Child on television in
Fired up by her epiphany, Ciara joined a short-lived girl trio named Hear Say before going solo at the urging of the group's manager, Anthony "TA" Tate. The self-professed military brat (her mother served in the Air Force and her father was a sergeant in the Army) began feverishly practicing and studying her sonic heroes: Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, and Janet Jackson. "I set a goal," says Ciara. "And I was going to do whatever it took to be on top."
Tate introduced Ciara to local hitmaker Jazze Pha, who quickly signed the singer to a production deal with his Sho-Nuff label in 2002. "When I met her, she was just a 17-year-old with a great voice and a beautiful spirit," he says. "Now she's a polished, exceptional talent." Under Pha's tutelage, Ciara landed an audition with then Arista CEO Antonio "LA" Reid, who promptly added the eager artist to the LaFace fold.
Now, with her Sho-Nuff/LaFace/ Zomba Label Group debut, Goodies, anchored by the Lil Jon-produced title track-a booty bouncing banger-Ciara is well on her way to fulfilling her musical fate. "I'm the first lady to do a crunk 'n' B record," she boasts. "But my album introduces other components and attributes that make up Ciara."
And Ciara's most endearing trait is her unyielding drive to succeed. "Now I take performing very seriously," she says. "Creating what people love is valuable to me, and that's what has gotten me where I am today." Plus a little bit of serendipity.
To Read More Stories Like This, Cop An Issue Of VIBE At Your Local Newsstand Now!
Better Yet Click Here! To Receive a Full Year of VIBE for $11.95!
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/news/magazine_features/2004/09/vibe_magazine_next_ciara_model_performer/
Top 25 Stories
Featured Galleries
Turnin' Me On: Keri Hilson
Keri's click-snap game is on point. Check out this 20-plus photo gallery for proof...
Keri's click-snap game is on point. Check out this 20-plus photo gallery for proof...
Soul Train Awards 2009
Photos from the Soul Train Awards Pre-Party at La Pomme
Photos from the Soul Train Awards Pre-Party at La Pomme
Lady Gaga's Paparazzi
Pop music's most eccentric had a Monster year. Check out some highlights.
Pop music's most eccentric had a Monster year. Check out some highlights.
Halle Berry Gallery
One look at this photo gallery will show you why Hurricane Chris dedicated a song and dance to Halle.
One look at this photo gallery will show you why Hurricane Chris dedicated a song and dance to Halle.
Halloween 2009 In Pictures
Stars in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Las Vegas show their true colors on Halloween.
Stars in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Las Vegas show their true colors on Halloween.
Chris Brown
Peep these snapshots fresh off the video set of Chris Brown's second single, "Crawl." Look out for the Cassie cameo, too!
Peep these snapshots fresh off the video set of Chris Brown's second single, "Crawl." Look out for the Cassie cameo, too!
Precious Premiere
The premiere of Tyler Perry's critically acclaimed motion picture brought out the biggest and brightest.
The premiere of Tyler Perry's critically acclaimed motion picture brought out the biggest and brightest.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is now “Sleeping With A Broken Heart," but we keep you awake with a gallery of her pics.
Alicia Keys is now “Sleeping With A Broken Heart," but we keep you awake with a gallery of her pics.
Rihanna: R U Ready?
With Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" heating up airwaves, we take a look at RiRi's best shots--all 56 of them!
With Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" heating up airwaves, we take a look at RiRi's best shots--all 56 of them!
Lebron James Photos
On and off the court, Lebron shows his savoir-faire.
On and off the court, Lebron shows his savoir-faire.
Chris Brown Pics
Chris Brown is on the comeback trail. Check out these snapshots of CB in his element.
Chris Brown is on the comeback trail. Check out these snapshots of CB in his element.
Beyoncé Gallery
From Destiny's Child to Dreamgirls to top diva, Beyoncé is the baddest B.
From Destiny's Child to Dreamgirls to top diva, Beyoncé is the baddest B.
home