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Ciara

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For information on the saint, see Saint Ciara, for other uses for the name, see Ciara (given name), and for the Irish naval vessel, see LÉ Ciara (P42).
Ciara

Ciara Princess Harris (born October 25, 1985), is an American recording artist, actress, and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she traveled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha. With his help, she was signed to LaFace Records, and went on to become a successful female artist, selling more than 7 million albums worldwide and having numerous top ten hits.

Ciara made her debut with the hit "Goodies", which reached number one in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Her debut album, Goodies, followed and became a success, selling over five million copies worldwide. The album also produced two other hits: her second number one in Canada, "1, 2 Step", and "Oh". She released her second album, Ciara: The Evolution, two years later in 2006; and it spawned the hit "Like a Boy" and US hits "Get Up" and "Promise". The album was another success, selling over two million copies worldwide. Ciara released her third album, Fantasy Ride, which featured the hit "Love Sex Magic", in 2009.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ciara was born in Austin, Texas on October 25, 1985, to Carlton and Jackie Harris, of which she is an only child. Since her father was in the United States Army, throughout her childhood Ciara grew up on army bases in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona, and Nevada.[1] In speaking of this, Ciara states that while she hated to lose good friends, this helps her in her career in when she has travel all over the world. During her teens, Ciara and her family settled in Atlanta.[1] 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[1], and cites Michael Jackson as her biggest inspiration.[2][3]

2002-2003: Hearsay and record deal

In her mid-teens Ciara formed an all girl group by the name Hearsay, with two of her friends. The group recorded demos, but as time went on, they began to have differences and eventually parted ways.[1] Despite this setback, Ciara was still determined to reach her goal and signed a publishing deal in which she bcame a song-writer. She achieved her first success at this when she wrote the song, "Got Me Waiting", for R&B singer Fantasia Barrino's debut album, Free Yourself[1] It was when she was writing songs that she met music producer, Jazze Pha, whom she called her "music soulmate". In 2002, the two recorded four demos, "1, 2 Step", "Thug Style", "Pick Up the Phone", and "Lookin' at You", which all appeared on her debut album which was released two years later. The former was the second single released from it and became a hit.[1] In 2003, Ciara graduated from Riverdale High School in Riverdale, Georgia. Following that, she was signed by LaFace Records executive, L.A. Reid, with the help of Jazze Pha. She began production on her debut album later that year. In early 2004, Ciara wrote a demo with record producer, Sean Garrett. The demo was later brought to the attention of Lil Jon and became her debut single "Goodies". Lil Jon stated later that he knew it would be big seeing how it sounded similar to Usher's international hit, "Yeah!"[1]

Recording and film career

2004-2005: Goodies

Ciara released her debut album, Goodies, in the United States on September 28, 2004. The album debuted at number three, selling 125,000 copies in its first week. However, propelled by its three hit singles, the album was certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA, selling over three million copies in the United States. With its success in the US, the album was released internationally on January 24, 2005, where it also performed well being certified platinum in Canada, and gold in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. To date, the album sold over five million copies worldwide.

The album produced three worldwide hit singles. Ciara's debut single, "Goodies" reached number one in United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, and the top ten in Ireland , New Zealand, and Germany, and top twenty in Australia. The second and third single, "1, 2 Step", featuring Missy Elliott, and "Oh", featuring Ludacris, both peaked at number two in the United States and reached the top ten in many countries internationally. "1, 2 Step" became the best performing single from the album internationally, reaching number two in Australia and New Zealand, top five in Ireland and the Uk, and went on to become her second number one hit in Canada. "And I", was only released to the United States. It underperformed compared to the previous releases peaking at only number ninety-six there.

With the success of the album Ciara released an EP/DVD, entitled Goodies: The Videos & More in the United States on July 12, 2005, which featured remixes to "1, 2 Step" and "Oh" and two new songs. It was released as an addendum to Goodies in the United Kingdom and Europe as the Goodies & More edition. The release was certified platinum in the United States by the RIAA. Ciara also served as an opening act for Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005 and went on tour with Chris Brown and Bow Wow on the Holiday Jam Tour in December 2005, in which she performed songs from the album. She also appeared on Missy Elliott's single "Lose Control" from her album, The Cookbook, and Bow Wow's single "Like You" from his album Wanted, which both peaked at number three in the United States and obtained worldwide success.

At the 48th Grammy Awards, Ciara received four nominations, including the award for "Best New Artist", "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" for "1, 2 Step", and "Best Rap Song" for "Lose Control". She won "Best Short Form Music Video" with Missy Elliott for "Lose Control"."[4].

2006-2007: Ciara: The Evolution

Ciara released her second studio album,Ciara: The Evolution, on December 5, 2006. The album was about Ciara's personal growth after being in the public eye for two years, as shown in the album's artwork, which featured more stylized images thamn her previous one. She co-wrote and co-produced most of the songs on the album, and worked with a new line of producers, including Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, Pharrell, Bryan-Michael Cox, Will.i.am and many others. The album became her first number one album, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling over 338,000 copies in its first week, also becoming her highest first week sales to date.The album received generally positive reviews and was certified platinum in the United States, within only five weeks of its release. To date, the album has sold over two million copies worldwide.

The album was preceded by the single "Get Up", which featured Chamillionaire and served as a lead single for the soundtrack to the film Step Up. The song reached the top ten in the United States, peaking at number seven. The song was also released as the second single internationally, where it reached the top five in New Zealand and top forty in Germany. The first single in the United States, "Promise" also preceded the album and reached number eleven there. "Like a Boy" was released as the second single in the United States and as the first to the United Kingdom and Europe. It reached number nineteen in the United States, and was also successful internationally, reaching the top ten in France and Sweden, and top twenty in Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. "Can't Leave 'Em Alone", which features 50 Cent, was the final single from the album, and reached the top five in New Zealand and top forty in the United States. "That's Right" was released as a promotional single in late 2007.

In October 2006, Ciara went on the The Evolution Tour, in which she previewd songs from the then-upcoming album. In August 2007, Ciara headlined the Screamfest '07 tour, with fellow recording artist, T.I.. She was also a supporting act in the United Kingdom for Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad Tour. Ciara also appeared on Field Mob's single, "So What", from their album, Light Poles and Pine Trees, and Tiffany Evans' single "Promise Ring" from her self-titled debut album. The former of which reached the top ten in the United States. In addition to her music, Ciara made her acting debut in the MTV Films production All You've Got, in May 2006. In the movie, she played, Becca Whiley, a teenager who is competing in a Volleyball Tournament. She also 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 of 2007.[5]

Ciara won the award for "World's Best Selling Female R&B Artist" at the 2007 World Music Awards.

2008-2009: Fantasy Ride

Although originally intended for a September 2008 release, Ciara's third studio album, Fantasy Ride was released, after a number of delays in May 2009. In the United States, it opened with first week sales of 81,000, which caused it to debut at number 3. tate the album has sold over 200,000 copies in the United States and 300,000 worldwide, becoming her lowest selling album.[6]

In September 2008, Ciara released "Go Girl", which featured T-Pain and served as a promotional release for the album. The first single in the United States, "Never Ever", which featured Young Jeezy, reached number sixty-six there.[7] "Love Sex Magic", which features Justin Timberlake, was released as the album's second single in the United States and as the first internationally. It became a worldwide hit, reaching number ten in the United States, and number one in India, Turkey, and Taiwan. "Like a Surgeon" was sent to United States' radio stations as a promotional single, and peaked at number fifty-nine on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The second international single, "Work", which featured Missy Elliott, charted in the UK, Australia, and Ireland.

In July 2009, Ciara headlined the Jay-Z & Ciara Live tour, with Jay-Z. She was also a supporting act for Britney Spears's The Circus Starring Britney Spears tour, including eight nights at London's prestigious O2 Arena during June 2009.[8] Ciara appeared on Nelly's single "Stepped On My J'z" from his album Brass Knuckles, and Enrique Iglesias'international hit single, "Takin' Back My Love", from his Greatest Hits album. In October 2008, in promotion for the album, Ciara interviewed with Vibe Magazine, which led to the Vibe Magazine controversy. On the October issue, Ciara was 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.[9]

Ciara was honored as Billboard's 2008 "Woman of the Year", because of her success in the music industry.[10] She also received a nomination at the 52nd Grammy Awards for "Love Sex Magic", in which she was nominated in the "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" category.

2010: Fourth studio album

On September 28, 2009, it was revealed the Ciara was well into production of her fourth studio album. In an interview with Rap-Up, Tricky Stewart announced that he and production partner The-Dream had spent the summer recording exclusively with Ciara, and that they would be executive-producing the whole album along with Ciara. When asked about the direction of the album, Stewart stated, "this record obviously is gonna have tempo to it, but I think it's gonna have even more substance than the last record". When asked to describe the sound of the album Stewart said "It's just her returning back to her strongest form. It's gonna be Ciara at her best. It's gonna be indicative of how much people love that first album [Goodies] and how people love "Promise" and other records when she's had those really serious connections." The trio, at that time, had already completed around 14 songs for the project, and while the album was first targeted for a 2009 release, it will now be slated for early 2010 to avoid rushing the album-making process.[11]. In July, 2009, it was confirmed that Ciara was back in the studio with Justin Timberlake. Whether they were working on new music for her album or not is yet to be confirmed. On December 1, 2009, it was announced that Ciara is also working with Darkchild.[12]. On December 9, 2009, Ciara talked more to MTV News about the upcoming album, saying that the album will be very hot and that she's working very hard to give her fans what they want and more. Ciara also said that she will be touching on her Goodies roots with the new album.On January 20, 2010, it was confirmed that Ciara had been working with producer Bangladesh for the first time since her debut album.[13] It has also been revealed that Ciara will be appearing on Ludacris' seventh album Battle of the Sexes.[14]

Personal life

In 2005, Ciara began dating rapper Bow Wow. They ended their relationship in April 2006.[15]

Other ventures

Fashion interests

In early 2009, Ciara signed a multi-million dollar deal with the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models. In addition to that, she also has her eyes set on beginning a new clothing line. In June 2008 she was in talks with the department store Steve & Barry's to create an affordable clothing line.[16]

In November 9, 2009, it was announced that Ciara would be modeling in the German edition of "Vogue".[17]

Endorsement Deals

In November 2009, it was announced that Ciara would be the new face of a major multimedia ad campaign for Verizon's smartphone the LG Chocolate Touch. Ciara has filmed a commercial for the campaign, which features her dancing to her single "Work".[18]

Charity

In September 2008, Ciara, along with 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. Fifteen singers shared the stage to perform the song live on September 5, 2008 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.[19] The television special helped raise $100 million dollars for cancer research.[20] The single is now available via digital download.

In November 2008, Ciara teamed up with "Make a Wish Foundation". There, she helped grant the wish of a mentally challenged girl who wanted to learn the choreography to "1, 2 Step."

On February 5, 2010, Ciara wiill perform in "S.O.S. Save Our Selves", which is hosed by Diddy and Queen Latifah. She will be performing along side various other artists, and the special will air on BET, CBS, and NBC. All funds will go to support Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.[21]

Discography

Main article: Ciara discography

Filmography

Year Film Role Notes
2006 All You've Got Becca Watley Television film
2010 Mama, I Want to Sing! Amara Awaiting release

Tours

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g " Billboard.com Biography - Ciara"Retrieved December 14, 2006.
  2. ^ [1] limelife.com. Accessed july 31, 2009.
  3. ^ Artist on Michael Jackson MTV.com. Accessed july 1, 2009.
  4. ^ Rock On The Net: 48th Annual Grammy Awards
  5. ^ Ciara Tapped As the New Face of Rocawear Us Magazine Retrieved June 2, 2007
  6. ^ http://www.power1051fm.com/common/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=edlovershow
  7. ^ Ciara's New Single, Confirmed By Elle Magazine
  8. ^ Ciara interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' May 2009
  9. ^ Ciara Insists: I Wasn't Nude In Vibe Magazine MTV News. Accessed September 23, 2008.
  10. ^ "Ciara's Official Website" CiaraWorld.com. Accessed October 4, 2008.
  11. ^ "Exclusive: Ciara Readies New Album". Rap-Up. September 28, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
  12. ^ Ciara recording fourth album
  13. ^ http://sincerelyciara.com/?p=2526#comments
  14. ^ Ciara on Ludacris' seventh album
  15. ^ Ciara and Bow Wow call it quits
  16. ^ Billboard Biz: Ciara Inks With Modeling Agency, Eyes Clothing Line
  17. ^ Ciara in Vogue
  18. ^ Endorsement Deal with Verizon
  19. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2008-08-19). "Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, More Collaborate On Cancer Benefit Single". MTV News. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
  20. ^ 15 Singers Stand Up To Cancer Billboard. Accessed October 8, 2008.
  21. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/01/25/ciara-chris-brown-join-bet-telethon/
  22. ^ Ciara to tour with Rihanna in the UK. Retrieved October 8, 2007.
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