Latest news with #VictoriaMonet
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monét says she was encouraged to have an abortion after unexpected pregnancy
R&B singer-and-songwriter Victoria Monét revealed she was pressured to have an abortion after learning she was pregnant with her daughter, during an appearance on former First Lady Michelle Obama's podcast on Wednesday. Monét, who won Grammys in 2024 for best new artist, best R&B album and best engineered album, shared about how motherhood impacted her career after giving birth to her daughter Hazel in 2021. Advertisement Not everyone in her professional circle was supportive of her pregnancy, she recalled. The singer explained it was difficult to share the celebratory news because she understood it might not be received well by her business associates. 'So when I got pregnant, I was an independent artist. I was working with this company called Platoon working out of the UK. And when you're an artist, though you're a human, you're technically the business,' Monét said on the podcast. 'So, to have to explain to someone who is a partner in your business that your business may slow down because of pregnancy, is difficult, but it's also something that you're supposed to feel celebratory about.' Advertisement Platoon is a London-based music distribution and creative services company which helps boost independent artists before they sign deals with major labels. After breaking the news to her business partner over Zoom, Monét said she was given a presentation telling her how difficult and expensive it was to raise a child. 3 Victoria Monet accepting the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. CBS via Getty Images 'In retrospect, it was really, really disheartening,' Monét admitted. Advertisement 'I had a person on my team, though the intentions were good, really, really hurt my feelings because they made a PowerPoint presentation to me about how difficult it will [sic] be for me.' 'And the finale of the presentation was, what's the rush? So, it felt like an encouragement to get an abortion. So that was really, really hurtful,' she shared. 3 Monét explained how people close in her professional circle were not supportive of her carrying on her pregnancy. Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Monét called it a 'very emotional' experience but said it left her with a 'fight' to prove that motherhood didn't have to derail her career. Advertisement 'And I walked out of that meeting…with that same fight that I had when I left home. I'm going to do this. It's my body, and I'm going to make it work even if it's hard,' she recalled. She didn't believe the person meant to 'harm' her but wanted her to understand that having a child was a 'big decision' that would impact her career. 3 Victoria Monet holding three Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, 2024. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Ultimately, the incident came 'full circle,' she explained, because one of her most popular songs, 'On My Mama,' she wrote about becoming a mother. 'She's been the biggest blessing,' Monét said of her daughter. 'I had these preconceived notions that having a child would suspend my career or make things even more difficult, but God just was like, 'nope,' but it's been so fun.' Fox News Digital reached out to Platoon for comment.
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Michelle Obama MOCKS Barack's presidential ambitions that brought her fame and fortune as divorce rumors continue to swirl
Barack Obama served two terms as the President of the United States, but his wife Michelle has further fueled divorce rumors by belittling his ambitions. The former first lady, who has been outspoken about her support for her husband's career now - admitted she'd previously questioned the lofty goal to become president that he ultimately ended up achieving. The 61-year-old made the remark Wednesday on the latest episode of her podcast IMO, which she hosts with her brother Craig Robinson. Michelle's jibe came after guest Victoria Monet talked about ambition and being embarrassed to share her dreams to become a singer. Michelle agreed with the singer's admission, likening it to Barack's goals of a presidential run. 'It's like my husband,' she quipped. '"I want to be president of the United States"' 'It's like "no, you might want to keep that to yourself honey,"' Michelle said. The former first lady's wisecrack will likely spark pushback, given it was Barack's hard work and ambition that made Michelle one of the most famous and beloved women in the world. His successful presidential run also helped deposit tens of millions of dollars in the couple's joint bank account after they left the White House. The barb comes as divorce rumors continue to swirl around the couple's 33-year-old marriage, which weathered an eight year stint in the White House between 2009 and 2017. The mom-of-two also spoke about her own career ambitions and taking risks during the episode. Michelle, who attended Harvard Law School before working for a prestigious Chicago law firm, spoke of her 'soul crushing' first job and why she never went back. 'When I came out of law school, I went into a big corporate firm because I went to Harvard and had a lot of debt and that's what you did,' she told Robinson and their guest Victoria Monet. 'I was there for two years, pretty miserable, not because of the place, but because the work was kind of soul crushing to me but I realized I hadn't tried anything else,' she explained. 'And I left and started working in city government and public service and each job , while it paid less, it had me working with people,' the former first lady continued. 'So that year turned into two years, and from that job, you know, working for the deputy chief of staff to working and planning and development and before you know it I was away from law and I've never gone back.' The Obamas met in 1988 when the future president took a job at a law firm in Chicago for the summer where Michelle was already working. The couple have been married for almost 33 years and share daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24. Over the past few months they have faced ongoing rumors about their marriage status. The rumor mill swirled after her decision to skip both Jimmy Carter's funeral and President Donald Trump's inauguration - with Michelle insisting they were decisions she made for herself. Her absence at the high-profile political events stoked divorce rumors, as did President Obama's admission in April that he was in a 'deep deficit' with his wife. Last week, the couple addressed the speculation that their relationship is on the rocks, When Barack appeared on his wife and brother-in-law's podcast. The pair wasted no time in addressing the rumors of their separation, with Michelle joking that it was nice to be in the same room as her husband, sassily telling her brother: 'When we aren't, folks think we're divorced.' In May, Michelle set the record straight during a podcast with entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett following speculation over the former first couple's recent public appearances 'If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,' she told the host, laughing. She added that she's 'not a martyr' and joked about how she would address such marital strife publicly. Last week, Michelle made a frank admission about life at home with husband after spending months dodging divorce rumors. The mom-of-two shared the insight about being an empty nester with a husband who is no longer serving as the President of the United States on Wednesday's episode of her podcast, IMO, which she hosts with older brother Craig Robinson. 'I mean at this stage in life for me, personally, is the first time I've been completely free,' the mother-of-two told guest Julia Louis-Dreyfus. 'There's been a release where every choice I make is not about my husband, not about his career, not about my family, not about what my kids need or where they're going, it's totally about me,' she admitted, quipping: 'This is when we start living ladies.'
Black America Web
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
15 R&B Songs to Bring in the Summer
Summer isn't really official until the windows are down, the bass and volume is up, and your playlist is hitting just right. Not in the mood for all the Bossman Dlow and Sexyy Red this year? We got you covered. RELATED: Gone Too Soon: 16 R&B Stars Who Died Under 35 Past favorites and current bangers, here are 15 R&B songs to jumpstart your summer! 15 R&B Songs to Bring in the Summer was originally published on 1. Victoria Monet – Alright 2. Janet Jackson – Feels So Right 3. The Foreign Exchange – Come Around 4. Ashley Iman – MARSEILLE 5. Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – Good Good 6. Beyoncé – Bodyguard 7. Zhané – Hey Mr. DJ 8. Brent Faiyaz – Outside All Night (feat. A$AP Rocky & N3WYRKLA) 9. KAYTRANADA – Out Of Luck (feat. Mariah the Scientist) 10. Leon Thomas – MUTT 11. Luther Vandross – Bad Boy / Having a Party 12. Ariana Grande – borderline (feat. Missy Elliot) 13. dvsn – Don't Choose 14. Ravyn Lenae – Xtasy Remix (feat. Doechii) 15. DESTIN CONRAD, Kehlani – BAD B******
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Victoria Monét Speaks at the BET Awards 2025 Media House in L.A., Plus Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Brie Larson and More
Stars have been everywhere this week. Victoria Monét speaks at the BET Awards 2025 Media House in L.A. Meanwhile, in New York City, Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Lily James attend screenings at the Tribeca Festival, and Brie Larson celebrates Super Nintendo World in Orlando, Fla. Here are the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings! Victoria Monét speaks during the BET Awards 2025 Media House at Quixote Studios West Hollywood in L.A. on June 7. Teri Polo, Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller attend the Meet The Parents 25th anniversary screening during the 2025 Tribeca Festival in N.Y.C. on June 7. Brie Larson attends the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla., on May 22. Lily James smiles while on her way to the Relay screening at SVA Theater during Tribeca Festival in N.Y.C. on June 7. Tyler Perry, BET EVP & Chief Marketing Officer Kimberly Paige, BET President & CEO Scott Mills and Tiyale Hayes attend the Los Angeles premiere of Tyler Perry's Divorced Sistas on June 6. Shaboozey, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks hang out backstage on day two of the 2025 CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on June 6. Niecy Nash-Betts and her wife Jessica Betts (pictured left) make an elegant pair as they attend the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on June 6 in Los Angeles. Lucy Liu embraces summer wearing a floral gown and matching cape at the premiere of her film Rosemead at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival on June 6 in New York City. Andrew Scott attends the CAA New York Party at Crane Club Restaurant in New York City on June 6. Miley Cyrus signs autographs for fans at the premiere for her musical film Something Beautiful at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 6 in New York City. Jelly Roll and Faith Hill pose for a photo backstage at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville during day two of the 2025 CMA Fest on June 6. Shakira and Ozuna give a sizzling performance onstage during Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour on June 6 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Seth Meyers speaks onstage at the Comedians in Conversation: Comedy Specials FYC event held at AVALON Hollywood in Los Angeles on June 6. Jennifer Beals is showstopping in pink as she attends the Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program event on June 6 in New York City. Holly J. Barrett, Meg Donnelly, Alan Bersten and Emma Slater pose for a photo together at Disney's Mickey & Friends House of Mouse event on June 5 in Los Angeles. Parker Posey arrives at Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program in a high-fashion fit in N.Y.C. on June 6. Mindy Kaling smiles as the guest of Paley Media's council conversation in Beverly Hills, California, on June 5. Olivia Munn opts for a loose shirt tucked into her jeans at Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program in New York City on June 6. Nick Cannon is animated as he speaks onstage at WayMaker Men's Summit presented by BET Experience in Los Angeles on June 6. Mariska Hargitay shows off her shades at the Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program in N.Y.C. on June 6. Miley Cyrus and her mom Tish match in shades at the Through Her Lens program in New York City on June 6. Carrie Coon and Celeste O'Connor meet at Chanel's Tribeca Festival Women's Luncheon in New York City on June 6. Dustin Hoffman and his wife of nearly 45 years, Lisa, watch a men's semifinal match during Roland-Garros in Paris on June 6. Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe are invested in a match at Roland-Garros in Paris on June 6. Benson Boone snaps a selfie with a fan as he's announced as JBL's global brand ambassador in N.Y.C. on June 6. Emma Watson keeps it casual as she strolls around Paris on June 6. Cynthia Erivo shines as she sings during the Today Citi Concert series in New York City on June 6. La La Anthony arrives at La Placita de Bacardí in New York City wearing a see-through pink gown on June 5. Wood Harris and Michael Cooper Jr. crack jokes onstage at the WayMaker Men's Summit in Los Angeles on June 5. Whitney Rose and Heather Gay enjoy a drink at the BMI Block Party during CMA Fest in Nashville on June 5. BigXthaPlug and Get Engaged's Cam Fordham host a kickback on the roof of Loser's in Nashville on June 4, attended by Shaboozey, Chris Comstock, Ella Langley and more. Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend Maxx Morando hold hands as they leave an event in New York City on June 5. Mariska Hargitay appears on the red carpet for the premiere of Kerouac's Road: The Beat Of A Nation at Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on June 5. Beyoncé performs during the first night of her Cowboy Carter Tour's stop in London on June 5. The White Lotus' Aimee Lou Wood and Patrick Schwarzenegger smile together at TheWrap's Visionaries Video Series taping in Los Angeles. Prince William opts for a patterned suit during his visit to the Food and Farming Pavilion in Wadebridge, England, on June 6. Amanda Seyfried, Olivia Rodrigo, Gabrielle Union and Rachel Bilson beam at Lancôme's Idôle House in New York City on June 5. Leighton Meester and Rashida Jones hang out at Skäl and Fejre - Urban Jürgensen: The Next Generation in Los Angeles on June 5. Also at Skäl and Fejre - Urban Jürgensen: The Next Generation, Scout Willis rocks a breezy mini-dress in L.A. on June 5. Jane Fonda looks radiant at the 2025 Women's Media Awards in New York City on June 5. Cynthia Erivo delivers a preppy look at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City on June 5. Laverne Cox pops in a colorful outfit at the 2025 Fragrance Foundation Awards in New York City on June 5. Alex Rodriguez wears a suit and tie to the 2025 Forbes Iconoclast Summit in New York City on June 5. Colin Farrell and Kathy Bates share a sweet moment at the IndieWire Honors Television 2025 in L.A. on June 5. Ben Stiller looks dapper in a black suit at the IndieWire Honors Television 2025 in Los Angeles on June 5. Robert De Niro sits onstage during the Tribeca Lisboa Reception in New York City on June 5. Whoopi Goldberg walks the carpet for the Tribeca Lisboa Reception in New York City on June 5. Uma Thurman holds a bouquet while filming Dexter: Resurrection in New York City on June 5. Sydney Sweeney shimmers in a jeweled black gown to chat about Echo Valley on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in N.Y.C. on June 5. Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll stop by The Tonight Show to promote their film I Don't Understand You in N.Y.C. on June 5. A casual Emily Ratajkowski has her phone to her mouth while on a walk in New York City on June 5. Dolly Parton serves swashbuckler at a dinner and show in Panama City, Florida, on June 5. Elizabeth Teeter, McKenzie Kurtz and Olivia Hardy snap a group picture at a photo call for Heathers The Musical in New York City on June 5. Kate Hudson grins from ear to ear at Newport Beach TV Fest in California on June 5. Resident Alien costars Sara Tomko, Alan Tudyk and Alice Wetterlund are all smiles at the season 4 premiere in Los Angeles on June 5. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn meet up with Lainey Wilson at CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville on June 5. Deborah Cox and Shoshana Bean meet with Clive Davis at The Apollo's ceremony honoring him in New York City on June 4. Erin Lichy brings her baby to Bugaboo's Butterfly 2 launch event in New York City. George Clooney sports a mitt and a softball as he joins the Broadway Show League for a game in New York City on June 5. Dakota Johnson beams as she exits The Greenwich Hotel in New York City on June 5 during her press tour for Materialists. Lori Harvey rocks an opulent set of pearls with her striped shirt while in West Hollywood, California, on June 5. Travis Barker finishes the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon in San Diego on June 1 with a time of 1:55:48. A chic Sydney Sweeney pairs leather with a structured pastel top in New York City on June 5. Elle Fanning holds a flute and slice of cake on the set of Margo's Got Money Troubles in Las Vegas on June 5. Keith Urban proves blue is his color at the Spotify House at CMA Fest in Nashville on June 5. Noah Cyrus opts for a dramatic frilly outfit while at SiriusXM's The Highway's Music Row Happy Hour: CMA Fest Edition in Nashville on June 5. Morris Dickerson Jr. Jerry Goldstein, Laurian Miller, Lonnie Jordan, Lee Oskar, Howard E. Scott and Harold Ray Brown receive plaques honoring WAR at their Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood, California, on June 5. Colbie Caillat belts a note at SiriusXM's The Highway's Music Row Happy Hour: CMA Fest Edition in Nashville on June 5. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo perform during WhyHunger's 50th anniversary celebration at the Chapin Awards Gala in New York City on June 4. Ahead of her Tony Awards' hosting gig, Cynthia Erivo takes in the New York City skyline at Top of the Rock on June 4. Number 1 Happy Family USA co-creators Ramy Youssef and Pam Brady are all smiles at an FYC event in Los Angeles on June 4. Piper Perabo rocks matching pants with her dress at the Maje High Summer Capsule Dinner in New York City on June 4. Sunny Hostin and Forever creator and show runner Mara Brock Akil attend Netflix and Ludlow House's screening of the show in New York City on June 2. Aimee Lou Wood and Patrick Schwarzenegger have a White Lotus reunion for a Venmo campaign. Jaime King and Brendan Gabriel Murphy pose together at the Los Angeles premiere of their movie FLUXX on May 29. Prince William visits the regiments for the first time as colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps in Wattisham, England. Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann twin in black at the premiere of the documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes in New York City on June 4. Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro reunite at the premiere of Billy Joel: And So It Goes in New York City on June 4. Sydney Sweeney and Julianne Moore channel their characters' mother-daughter energy at the premiere of their film Echo Valley in New York City on June 4. Taraji P. Henson gears up for an appearance on The View in New York City on June 4 in New York City. Shakira whips her hair during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour in Orlando on June 4. Brianne Howey speaks onstage at an advance screening of season 3 of Ginny & Georgia in New York City on June 4. Babyface and Monica present during the Apollo Theater Spring Benefit at the Apollo Theater on June 4 in New York City. Busta Rhymes performs at the Apollo Theater's Spring Benefit on June 4 in New York City. Ben Fuller brings out Carrie Underwood at his concert in Nashville to debut his song "If It Was Up to Me" on June 3. Lainey Wilson shows off her cowboy boots at the launch of her new boot line, Golden West Boots, in Nashville on June 4. Shaboozey and Ella Langley link up at Golden West Boots' launch in Nashville on June 4. Whoopi Goldberg attends the premiere of the documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes on June 4 in New York City. Wendi McLendon-Covey, Abby Elliott and Christa Miller pose for a group shot during TheWrap's Women of Comedy event in Beverly Hills, California on June 4. Brenda Song looks radiant at TheWrap's Women of Comedy event in Beverly Hills, California on June 4. Iliza Shlesinger attends TheWrap's Women of Comedy event in Beverly Hills, California on June 4. Macklemore hits the stage in Dublin, Ireland on June 4. Margaret Josephs and Dolores Catania of The Real Housewives of New Jersey look ready for summer during an appearance at the SiriusXM studios on June 4 in New York City. Annie Murphy speaks on the The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in New York City on June 4. Benson Boone rocks double denim while on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 4. Miley Cyrus poses backstage on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 4. Dua Lipa performs onstage during her Radical Optimism World Tour in Amsterdam on June 4. Jeff Goldblum and his wife Emilie Livingston are a dashing pair as they attend the McKim Medal Gala 2025 in Rome on June 4. Sydney Sweeney greets fans before an appearance on Good Morning America in New York City on June 4. Bryce Dallas Howard is all smiles at the Deep Cover premiere in London on June 4. Katy Perry jams out at the Lifetimes Tour in Sydney on June 4. Julianne Moore rocks a pantsuit as she heads into Good Morning America in New York City on June 4. Whoopi Goldberg promotes her new hemp drink, Whoop-Tea, at the Cannabis Means Business Conference in New York City on June 4. Mary Holland Nader, Sarah Jane Nader, Grace Ann Nader and Brooks Nader pose for a family shot at the Influencer Social Responsibility Pride Dinner hosted by Sarah on June 4 in New York City. Aaron Taylor-Johnson strikes a quick pose as he arrives at the Cinema MK2 in Paris on June 4. Halle Berry looks casual while out and about with boyfriend Van Hunt in New York City on June 4. Iliza Shlesinger poses at an FYC event for her standup special Iliza Shlesinger: A Different Animal in Los Angeles on June 4. Sasha Pieterse rocks red at the American Heart Association's CPR & AED Awareness Week event in Los Angeles on June 3. Zoe Saldaña stuns in a monochromatic look in New York City on June 4. Orlando Bloom attends the premiere of Deep Cover in London on June 4. Martha Stewart is off hosting duty with Cameron Forbes and Susan Magrino at Magrino's Summer Soiree in New York City on June 3. Harry Hamlin serves up his Sunday Sauce at Food Bank for New York City's Community Kitchen Family Dinner. Tyler Perry and Taraji P. Henson have some fun together at the New York premiere of Straw at The Edwardian Room at The Plaza on June 3. Ciara and her mini-me daughter Sienna Princess Wilson are twinning at the Black Women in Music Dinner hosted by The Connie Orlando Foundation at Audrey Irmas Pavillion in L.A. on June 3. Ana de Armas blows a kiss at the L.A. premiere of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina on June 3 at TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A. Joe Jonas steps out in London for the opening of the "To Distraction" exhibition by Rex Southwick with Givenchy Beauty at Unit Gallery on June 3. Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves bring date night to the L.A. premiere of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina at the TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A. on June 3. Brianne Howey stops by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 3 in New York City. Bryce Dallas Howard flashes a smile and a wave while out in London promoting her movie Deep Cover on June 4. Kaitlin Olson strikes a pose at Disney FYC Fest event for High Potential at the DGA Theater in L.A. on June 2. Read the original article on People
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘I've always been my own clique': Ciara on settling feuds and breaking TikTok with her chair dance
Backstage at April's Coachella festival, beyond the influencers, branded content and celebrity PDAs, a viral moment was brewing. R&B superstar Ciara was dancing on a chair – not just any dance, but a gravity-defying move that involved laying stomach-first on the chair's back, arms locked, feet wiggling to the music. She wasn't alone either; friends Cara Delevingne, Victoria Monét and Megan Thee Stallion were all doing the move too. The soundtrack was Ecstasy, the sultry new single from Ciara's forthcoming eighth album, CiCi. The dance became a trend on TikTok, with even a 75-year-old grandma from Miami successfully giving it a go. When I suggest trying it in our interview, Ciara's face lights up with enthusiasm. 'You can do it,' she says, her American optimism making me believe she's right. 'What kind of chair are you sitting on right now?' I show her my cheap Ikea number and her enthusiasm dips somewhat. She's sitting in the back of a plush-looking car at a New York airport, waiting to fly to Atlanta, her phone held close to her face so she can see better. It's not the chair I'm worried about, I tell her, but my general fitness. 'You do need a little strength in your arms,' she says, sitting back as if to say: 'Let's not risk it.' Ciara wasn't just in the California desert to test out chair choreography. She also made a surprise appearance during Megan Thee Stallion's set, performing Roc Steady – a track that heavily samples Ciara's own 2004 breakthrough hit Goodies. That debut single announced her arrival on the global stage, reaching No 1 in the US and UK, and briefly earning her the title 'First Lady of Crunk'n'B', the energetic subgenre that fused hip-hop with club music's sweat-soaked pulse. That smash was followed by a string of hits that defined mid-00s pop-R&B: the Missy Elliott collaborations 1,2 Step and Lose Control; the gender-flipping anthem Like a Boy; 2018's comeback hit Level Up; and sultry slow jams such as Oh, Ride and Body Party. Now, the artist who once cited Michael and Janet Jackson as influences is herself being namechecked by a new generation, including Megan Thee Stallion, Tinashe, Tate McRae and Normani. 'It's so inspiring,' she says of this torch-passing moment. 'I think more than those artists know. Meg was sharing some really kind words to me after the performance and I was taking it all in.' Inspiring it may be, but does being an influence to younger artists make her feel, well, old? She lets out a genuine laugh. 'Listen, I got a birthday coming up and so I've yet to cross a certain mark in my life,' says Ciara, 39, deliberately avoiding using a certain F-word. 'I don't want to say the age – that's how significant it is to me. But my point is, I feel like I'm just getting started. I'm much wiser than I was yesterday. But, you know, CiCi is still tapped in, so I don't feel old yet.' She will aim to prove that when she headlines south London's pop-leaning queer festival Mighty Hoopla. Such is her busy life – she's a mother of four; runs her own record label, Beauty Marks; and is a part owner of US soccer team the Seattle Sounders alongside her husband, NFL star Russell Wilson – that she says she's still learning about the festival. 'I know that everyone loves to come out at Mighty Hoopla,' she smiles. 'People want to live their best lives, be free, have fun, dance, leave happy. So that's my goal: to make people experience all of that.' Ciara's positive disposition – nearly every answer is given through a megawatt smile – has been tested over the years. Born 'a proud military brat' in Austin, Texas and raised mainly in Atlanta, her mum was in the air force while her dad was in the army. 'I didn't have a lot growing up, to be honest,' she says. 'But I had a big dream and I was very convinced in my vision of what I saw life like for myself.' It was a transient early life. At one point the family were stationed in east Germany, with Ciara enrolling in a school in Giessen. She can still remember the food – 'I did have bratwurst, but I don't like sauerkraut so much' – and a tiny bit of the language. 'I used to say German curse words, mainly scheisse,' she laughs. After settling in Atlanta, where she briefly joined a girlband, she was discovered by record producer Jazze Pha, and eventually signed by LA Reid. She already had Goodies in her back pocket. 'I believed in that song so much that I held it close by my side,' she says. 'I rode in my car, my little Honda Element back in the days, and I would just drive with the instrumental playing, trying to perfect every line.' Having her name on the credits from the off was important to her in a 00s music industry that didn't necessarily celebrate the input of young Black women. 'I really didn't think I was bound by my ethnicity, or my gender,' she says. 'Then as I got older I realised: 'Oh that really was a different kind of war I was fighting,' and I had no idea I was, and why I was. I was just this young girl with big ambition and big confidence. I was offputting to some because they couldn't convince me to think what I didn't think.' While the hits kept coming, by 2010's Basic Instinct, the relationship with her label had disintegrated. For the album's third single, Gimme Dat, Ciara spent $200,000 of her own money on the video and marketing. 'I'm always going to bet on myself,' she states. It's why she set up her own label: 'I've just never believed in leaving my career in someone else's hands. I never have, never will.' There were other battles. Feuds were created left, right and centre, with the media pitting Ciara against Beyoncé and Rihanna (a testy Twitter exchange in 2011 with the latter was blown up into a feud, which the pair 'ended' by posing together at the Met Gala earlier this month), while a remix of Keri Hilson's 2008 Turnin' Me On was thought to include attacks on Ciara. 'In our industry there was this thing, especially back in the day, where executives and teams liked to make girls be separate and not engage with each other,' Ciara says. 'It's so funny because I watch my husband in [American] football and it's incredible to see how much the boys show each other so much love. And that's how I've always lived my life. I've never been a clique person. I always say I'm my own clique.' Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Wilson has been in the news recently after teasingly asking Ciara for a fifth child via messages under her social media posts (Ciara's eldest son is from an earlier relationship with the rapper Future). When Ciara discusses her ability to fashion eye-popping choreography for even her slowest of ballads, she casually refers to the songs collectively as 'baby-making music'. Don't tell your husband that, I joke. 'Oh, he knows,' she smiles. Does he try to put your songs on in the bedroom? 'Oh my lordy, Michael!' she screams, before getting serious. 'We both love the idea of our family growing, to be honest. [Wilson] always quotes the Bible; be fruitful and multiply. But I love being a mom. It's my favourite job of all.' Seemingly, the only thing she loves more is the UK; her 2016 marriage to Wilson took place in a castle in Cheshire. 'I'm obsessed with the people in the UK,' she says in a dodgy British accent, 'with the energy, the culture. I love the food.' When I tell her I'm surprised by the latter she clarifies that she loves the Japanese food she often eats in the UK. And Nando's (her order: spicy chicken, sweet potato mash, corn on the cob). All this talk of Britain returns us to Mighty Hoopla, where the chair-dancing will undoubtedly make a reappearance. With the setlist still up in the air, I suggest she perform 2013's Overdose, a near-immaculate slice of loved-up dance-pop that should go down a storm. 'Oh OK,' she smiles. 'That's some good feedback.' I sense she's just being nice; if there's one thing the last 21 years has taught Ciara it's to follow her instincts. Ciara plays Mighty Hoopla, Brockwell Park, London, 31 May; CiCi is released 11 July.
