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Ciara

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This article is about the musician. For information on the saint, see Saint Ciara and for information on the name itself, see Ciara (given name). For the Irish naval vessel, see LÉ Ciara (P42).
Ciara

Ciara Princess Harris (born October 25, 1985),[1] professionally known as Ciara, is a Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, fashion model, music video director, actress and soon to be fashion designer. Ciara made her debut in the summer of 2004 with the Billboard number-one single "Goodies". The album Goodies was released in the United States on September 28, 2004, and in the UK on January 24, 2005. It produced three top two singles on the Billboard Hot 100, selling two million in the U.S.,[2] and over five million worldwide,[3] and earned various awards and nominations.

Ciara's second album, Ciara: The Evolution, was released in December 2006. It has spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top ten hit "Get Up", and the R&B/Hip-Hop Charts top ten hits "Promise", "Like a Boy", and "Can't Leave 'em Alone". To date, the album, which went platinum only five weeks after its release, has sold more than one million copies in the U.S. and over two million worldwide, and earned various awards and nominations.

Ciara's third studio album, Fantasy Ride, is expected to be released in the United States in 2009. The first single "Go Girl" had its official release on September 30th.

Biography

Early life

Ciara was born in Austin, Texas.[1] She is the only child of Carlton and Jackie Harris. She grew up on Army bases in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona, and Nevada, since her father was in the United States Army.[4] During her teens, Ciara and her family settled in Atlanta.[4] Ciara said that watching Destiny's Child perform on a television program while staying home from school inspired her to pursue a career in music. Then, Ciara joined a girl group called Hearsay and worked on her songwriting.[4] The group recorded demos, but began to have differences. Eventually, she left the group, got a publishing deal, and found a "musical soulmate" when she met producer Jazze Pha.[4] Ciara graduated from Riverdale High School in Riverdale, Georgia in 2003 and was signed by LaFace Records executive L.A. Reid with the help of Jazze Pha. She began production on her debut album. Ciara co-wrote a demo with songwriter Sean Garrett, who was co-writer of Usher’s international hit "Yeah!".[4]

Goodies (2004-2005)

See also: Goodies (album)
File:Goodies Ciara.jpg
Ciara in the music video for her debut single, "Goodies" (2004)

Goodies became a commercial success in the U.S., selling 2.63 million copies. The following year, Goodies received an international release, but success was limited, although the singles were worldwide hits. Ciara’s debut single, "Goodies" reached number one in United States and United Kingdom. The second and third single "1, 2 Step" featuring Missy Elliott and "Oh" featuring Ludacris were top five singles, both peaking at the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, in both countries. "And I", the fourth single, did poorly compared to the first three releases. The song peaked at ninety-six on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the summer 2005, Ciara released her DVD of music videos, documentaries, and commentaries entitled Goodies: The Videos & More and contributed to hip-hop artists' singles during Goodies success. She appeared on Missy Elliott's "Lose Control" from her album The Cookbook and Bow Wow’s "Like You" from his album Wanted, which both peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

In December 2005, Ciara went on tour with Gwen Stefani on her Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005 and Bow Wow and Chris Brown for the "Holladay Jam" tour, which stopped at big cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta. She also received Grammy nominations for "Best New Artist", "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" for "1, 2 Step", "Best Rap Song" and "Best Short Form Music Video" for “Lose Control”.

Ciara: The Evolution (2006-2007)

See also: Ciara: The Evolution
File:Ciara Like A Boy.jpg

This file may be deleted after Thursday, 30 October 2008.

Ciara started a new year by winning her first Grammy Award for Missy Elliott's "Lose Control". It won "Best Short Form Music Video", on February 8, 2006.[5] In April 2006, Ciara was featured on Field Mob’s Billboard top ten single "So What". The following month, she made acting debut in the MTV Films production All You've Got, also starring Adrienne Bailon and Efren Ramirez. The summer of 2006, Ciara completed her second album, after the release of the Step Up soundtrack single "Get Up" featuring Chamillionaire. It became the second European single in the summer 2007, apart from the UK, where the song was released twice as a download-only single, once in 2006 and again in 2007.

Ciara's second studio album, Ciara: The Evolution was released on December 5, 2006. Production included hitmakers such as, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, Pharrell, Bryan Michael Cox, Will.i.am and many others. The album is about Ciara's personal growth after two years in the public eye. She co-wrote and co-produced most of the songs. The official first single "Promise", produced by Atlanta producer Polow da Don, which reached eleven on the Billboard Hot 100. In October 2006, Ciara went on a seventeen city club tour until December, which she previewed new music from the album. Ciara: The Evolution debuted at number one selling over 338,000 copies, which is 213,000 more than Ciara’s debut album Goodies. The album received generally positive reviews and was certified platinum by the RIAA within only five weeks of its release. The second single from Ciara: The Evolution, the first single in Europe, "Like a Boy", was released on February 13, 2007 in the U.S. The single was the second to be released in the UK with an April 9, 2007 release date. The single was a moderate success peaking at nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100, six on the Hot Hip-Hop/R&B Singles chart, and sixteen in the UK.

In early May, Ciara teamed with Glamour Magazine to direct her first music video for emerging female artists Tiffany Evans, Paula Campbell, or Samantha Jade in the Nissan Reel Music Contest.[6] She signed on to her second film role Mama, I Want to Sing! which filmed the summer 2007 and is due in theaters October 2008 and she became the face of Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line and spokesperson for the women campaign entitled "I Will Not Lose", which debuted in the summer.[7] The official third single "Can't Leave 'Em Alone",which features 50 Cent was released on June 12, 2007 and peaked at forty on the Billboard Hot 100. Ciara headlined with Lloyd, T-Pain, T.I. and Yung Joc on the Screamfest '07. The tour was scheduled to begin July 24, 2007.[8] but it was changed to August 3, 2007.[9] During this period, Ciara was featured on teen singer Tiffany Evans's debut single, "Promise Ring." Ciara supported fellow pop singer Rihanna on the UK leg of the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour. Ciara performed Can't Leave 'Em Alone at the World Music Awards with 50 cent. She won the award for "Best Selling Female R&B Artist".

Fantasy Ride (2009-Present)

See also: Fantasy Ride
File:Ciara In Go Girl Music Video.jpg
Ciara in her "Go Girl" music video.

Ciara released a promo single titled "Ahh", which features J-Hood, though no radio stations picked up on it because it wasn't an official single release. She also began preparing for the release of her theatrical debut in the film Mama, I Want to Sing!', The movie will now go straight to DVD in early 2009.

On February 19, 2008, Ciara announced via her official MySpace she is recording her third studio album and doing national dance auditions, searching for unsigned dancers.

On February 29, 2008, Ciara stated in an interview that her third studio album would be released before the end of the year.[10] So far, for her new effort, she has worked with Danja, Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, and Polow da Don among others.[11]

On April 9, 2008 Ciara announced to MTV VJs Sway and Akshay Bhansali that her new album was to be titled Fantasy Ride.[12]

In May, 2008, Ciara made a feature on rap artist Nelly's album Brass Knuckles on a song called "Stepped On My J'z" with Jermaine Dupri. The song and the video made its debut on June 11 on BET's Access Granted, having been filmed in the middle of May. A sneak peek was released onto Dupri's official YouTube channel, on May 22.[13]

Ciara performed twice at the 2008 BET Awards on June 24, 2008, once with R&B singer Chris Brown[14] and the other with rapper Nelly.[15]

She recently signed a deal with the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models. The deal will allow Wilhelmina to focus on casting Ciara in various different photo shoots and commercials. In addition to that, she also has her eyes set on beginning a new clothing line. She's currently in talks with the department store Steve & Barry's, who are already home to a clothing line for Sarah Jessica Parker's "Bitten" line as well as New York Knicks' star Stephon Marbury's "Starbury" collection, to create a reasonably priced clothing line that would combine her style with affordable prices.[16]

There has recently been talks of Ciara being a featured guest on Missy Elliott's upcoming album "Block Party", now slated for release in November.

Recently Ciara made BlackFilm.com's list of Faces of Tomorrow: Ones to Watch 2008.

Seems like every year there’s a singer that enters the list with Jamia Nash last year and Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson making the 2006 Ones to Watch list. This year features Ciara, who has previously performed on numerous soundtracks but will making her theatrical debut in the long awaited ‘Mama, I Want to Sing!’ opposite Lynn Whitefield and Hill Harper. It’s a lead role and if she carries the film to success, expect more roles to come.[17]

It was announced that 2 songs were up for the first single from "Fantasy Ride" both single's are "High Price" & "Work". Ciara has stated that her feelings were very hurt cause "High Price" leaked very early and she wanted to present it to her fans the right way. It was also announced that she has just recently finished recording the album and that Akon, Ludacris, The-Dream, and Lil' Jon make guest appearances on the album.[18] Recently, it has been announced that neither "High Price" nor "Work" will not be up for the first single, but "Go Girl" will be the first official single. The single is produced & features T-Pain. The song is slated to be released in September and the album itself will be released in early December. Ciara only announced a few people that would be making guest appearances on the album but then eventually announced one more guest a few weeks later which turned out to be T-Pain, which means that they are possibly more guests to be announced.[19]

As for Ciara's modeling and fashion career she is recently in talks with Victoria's Secret, to model for them and expand her fashion and modeling career.[20]

In September, Ciara, along with other female R&B artists Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood, teamed up for the song "Just Stand Up". The charity tune for cancer was conceived by Antonio "L.A." Reid, who produced it with longtime creative colleague Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. All 15 singers shares the stage to perform the song live on September 5, during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special, set to air simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS. The proceeds from the single will be given to the fundraiser. [21]

On September 3, 2008, The official first single from Fantasy Ride was released, the song is called "Go Girl" which features T-Pain.[22]

Ciara presented at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7.[23]

Ciara is featured in the October issue of "Maxim Magazine", wearing nothing but lingerie and her hair color red. In the issue she talks about her new album and her revolving into a grown woman. This has been said to be Ciara's transformation from teen girl to grown woman. It has been stated by Ciara that promotion for "Fantasy Ride" has already started.[24]

The October issue of "Vibe Magazine" has Ciara appearing to be naked but she has stated that Vibe airbrushed her clothes off to make it appear she was completely nude. She later confirmed to "MTV News" that she was in fact clothed. Ciara was quoted as saying:[25]

"I think, at this point, I'd rather just be quiet about things such as that but I definitely want to make it clear that I was going in to do something artistic, and I was upset that when I saw the photos, everything was gone.

On September 27, 2008, Ciara went to Six Flags in her hometown Atlanta, Georgia in celebration of her new album "Fantasy Ride". The roller coaster Goliath was named after the album for the day to honor Ciara and her album. She also went to Six Flags to perform some songs from the new album. Ciara brought 5 students from her old high school that won a essay contest she held. She brought them to enjoy the "Fantasy Ride" in Six Flags. Ciara also signed autographs for her fans at the park as well.[26]

On October 7, 2008, The video for Ciara's lead single "Go Girl" premiered on Yahoo! Music and BET's "Access Granted".

On October 11, 2008, It was confirmed that Ciara will be making a guest appearance on T-Pain's new album Thr33 Ringz due out on November 11, 2008. The track is called "Blowing Up".[27]

On October 24, 2008, It was announced that Billboard will honor Ciara for being a "Woman Of The Year". She will be honored for her success in the music business.[28]

Ciara will be making a guest appearance on Enrique Iglesias greatest hits album. The track is called "Takin Back My Love". The album is due out on November 11, 2008.[29] Ciara will also be making a guest appearance on Plies upcoming album, "Da Realist", in stores December 19, 2008.

On October 23, 2008, Ciara stated that she will be pushing back "Fantasy Ride" once again. Ciara also stated that the album does not have an official release date just yet but will be released in early 2009. Ciara wants the album to come out in January or February. She also said that once she says the official release date, she will not push it back anymore. The reason for her pushing it back again is because she wants to make the album perfect for her fans. Fantasy Ride now has a release date of January 27, 2009.[30]

Acting career

In May 2005, Ciara made her acting debut in the MTV Films coming-of-age film All You've Got, as Becca Watley, the queen bee of a high school volleyball team; the Little Madonnas.[31] The film was released on DVD May 23, 2006.

Ciara is starring with Patti LaBelle in the upcoming film Mama, I Want to Sing!, which is based on the worldwide hit off-Broadway musical. Ciara is playing a preacher's daughter in the church choir who becomes a pop star. Mama, I Want to Sing is currently in post-production and supposedly has a release date in early April 2009 but no release date has been confirmed just yet.[18]

Charity

In September, Ciara, along with other female R&B artists Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood, will team up for the song "Just Stand Up!". The charity tune for cancer was conceived by Antonio "L.A." Reid, who produced it with longtime creative colleague Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. All 15 singers shared the stage to perform the song live on September 5, during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special, which aired simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS. The proceeds from the single were given to the fundraiser.[32] The television special helped raise $100 million dollars for cancer research.[33] The single is now available via digital download.

Awards

Main article: List of Ciara awards

Discography

Main article: Ciara discography

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2006 All You've Got Becca Watley Television film
2009 Mama, I Want to Sing! Amara Post-production

Tours

Headlining

Supporting Act

References

  1. ^ a b c MSN (2008). "Ciara: Biography". MSN. Retrieved 2008-07-16.
  2. ^ " Ciara Previewing 'Evolution' On Tour". Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  3. ^ "Ciara Certified Platinum". Retrieved January 18, 2006.
  4. ^ a b c d e " Billboard.com Biography - Ciara". Retrieved December 14, 2006.
  5. ^ Rock On The Net: 48th Annual Grammy Awards
  6. ^ Ciara Directs A Clip, Plus Kelly Clarkson, Usher, Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Chris Brown & More In For The Record MTV News Retrieved June 2, 2007
  7. ^ Ciara Tapped As the New Face of Rocawear Us Magazine Retrieved June 2, 2007
  8. ^ T.I., Ciara To Headline Latest Scream Tour Retrieved June 7, 2007
  9. ^ Usher To Become A Dad; Plus Screamfest, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Fall Out Boy, Fergie, Andre 3000 & More, In For The Record
  10. ^ YouTube - S&R w/ Ciara
  11. ^ Billboard Bits: Ciara, CMT Awards, Big Boi
  12. ^ MTV Newsroom - Ciara New Album Info
  13. ^ Rap-Up.com:// rap-up book in stores now! » Blog Archive » Nelly’s ‘Brass Knuckles’ Due June 24
  14. ^ SC TV: "Take U Down Performance"
  15. ^ SC TV: "Stepped On My J's BET Performance"
  16. ^ Billboard Biz: Ciara Inks With Modeling Agency, Eyes Clothing Line
  17. ^ Faces of Tomorrow: Ones to Watch 2008
  18. ^ a b Ciara brings new attitude to musical journey | Entertainment | Music | Reuters
  19. ^ Rap-Up: Ciara Working with T-Pain, Lil Jon on Album
  20. ^ Singer Ciara To Model For Victoria's Secret | AHN | August 9, 2008
  21. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2008-08-19). "Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, More Collaborate On Cancer Benefit Single". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
  22. ^ Ciara Featuring T-Pain "New Music" Rap-Up. Accessed September 3, 2008.
  23. ^ Ciara Presenting At 2008 MTV Awards Vibe Source. Accessed September 4, 2008.
  24. ^ Ciara In Maxim Magazine In Lingerie The Insider. Accessed September 10, 2008.
  25. ^ Ciara Insists: I Wasnt Nude In Vibe Magazine MTV News. Accessed September 23, 2008.
  26. ^ Ciara Brought A "Fantasy Ride" To Six Flags In Atlanta, Georgia Rap-Up. Accessed September 28, 2008.
  27. ^ Ciara Confirmed As A Guest On T-Pain's New Album Amazon Tracklist. Accessed October 11, 2008.
  28. ^ "Ciara's Offical Website" CiaraWorld.com. Accessed October 4, 2008.
  29. ^ "Enrique Inglesias Official Website" Enrique Ingesias. Accessed October 16, 2008.
  30. ^ Ciara Power 105.1 Radio Interview Sincerelyciara.com. Accessed October 23, 2008.
  31. ^ " Ciara The Queen of Madonnas". Retrieved August 28, 2006.
  32. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2008-08-19). "Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, More Collaborate On Cancer Benefit Single". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
  33. ^ 15 Singers Stand Up To Cancer Billboard. Accessed October 8, 2008.
  34. ^ Ciara to tour with Rihanna in the UK. Retrieved October 8, 2007.
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