On screen she’s vicious. Cold hearted. The polar opposite of Naya Rivera. But when the tiny triple threat steps on set, she’s Santana Lopez of Fox’s musical-dramedy phenom, “Glee.” Not only does Rivera have Hollywood buzzing about her portrayal of the mean-girl cheerleader, the hip-hop world is clamoring to know more about the lovely lady on Big Sean’s arm.
VIBE Vixen caught up with the newly signed Columbia artist and she dishes on everything from playing a lesbian on TV to her real-life relationship with the handsome hip hopper.
-Kandice L. Lawson
On “Glee” you play a pretty convincing mean girl. What are some things you do to get into character?
It just depends on what the scene is and what I’m supposed to be bringing to the table that day, so it actually varies.
What is it like working with NeNe Leakes on set?
I am such a NeNe fan, such a Housewives show fan—I love every single one of them—so when she came on the show I had a blast. I probed her for some Housewives secrets. She’s great, so professional and talented, and we actually became very cool. She was funny and sweet and everything you would expect her to be—just the life of the party.
So after exchanging lines on Twitter, when did you and boyfriend Big Sean finally meet, and what was your first date like?
We met a while ago and we went to this little Italian restaurant for our first date.
How long have you guys been official?
I don’t know, you should ask him. [laughs]
How do you feel about some of the songs he’s coming out with that reference his ex-girlfriend, Ashley?
That is one of my favorite songs on his new album. I love all of his songs, he’s incredibly talented, and really, really great and such a good songwriter, so I’m totally supportive of all his music. I’m a fan.
What is your favorite Big Sean song?
I’m a really big fan of “Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay.” I don’t know why I love that song so much. That mixtape was so good. I’m obsessed with “Detroit.” He’s got a lot of hits.
On “Glee,” your character’s love interest turns out to be her best friend Brittany. How does Big Sean feel about your girl-on-girl action onscreen?
He’s really supportive of the character that I play. Everyday when we go out, he sees fans come up [to me] and I tell him stories about people thanking me for playing this character; this helps them come out to their friends and family. He thinks it’s so cool.
Who is someone you’ve always dreamed of collaborating with musically?
So many people, but I’m a really big Robin Thicke fan—I was really obsessed with his first album. I’m so in love with his voice, so I’d love to work with him someday. He might be my number one right now.
You’re currently working on your debut album. What can we expect from that?
We are getting some really great features, so that’s exciting. Most of the music is really fun. It’s kind of a throwback to the 90’s. It’s fun to sing along to. I hope everyone likes it. I’m proud of what I’ve been working on.
Do you and Big Sean plan on working together musically?
Possibly. I guess you’ll have to wait and see.
Tell us about some of your other upcoming projects.
I’m actually hosting Bud Light’s Music First 50/50/1 concert series event on August 1. I just shot a commercial for them and had a blast.
Do you have any beauty tips you can share with us?
I’m a big fan of at home deep conditioning treatments, sometimes I like to put eucalyptus oil on my scalp and get a really good hair mask, Moroccan oil, and then sleep with it overnight in a really tight bun. When you wash it out and you’ll have some really shiny hair.
What are some of your favorite makeup brands?
I’m a big Kevyn Aucoin fan. Dior has amazing products, as well. I really love makeup so I try to use as many products as possible.
What are some of the things that are in your purse that you won’t be caught without?
I always bring a really good lip balm, oil blotting sheets, and this thing called Tangle Teezer I’m really obsessed with.
What fashion trends are you rocking?
I don’t even care if its summer, I’m still really into leather and I’m getting more into sneakers. I just bought the coolest pair of Saint Laurent sneakers.