Ciara is doing her thing. This 18 year old singer/songwriter, dance phenomenon has literally caught the music industry off guard. No one expected this young singer to blow up in the major way that she has. Her debut single "Goodies," held down the number one spot for more than 6 weeks earlier this year. "Goodies" was such a catchy song, some people were speculating that Ciara might be a one hit wonder (remember that song from last year Uh-Oh…right), but no no. Miss Ciara bounced right back with "1-2 Step " featuring Missy Elliot. "1-2 Step" raced up the Billboard chart before the video hit the airwaves good.

Ciara is a very busy young woman. The day of our interview, the time was changed because I was informed Ciara was rehearsing late the night before. When my interview time rolled around I was informed I would have 4-5 minutes to talk with Ciara. Yikes! 4-5 minutes to do two interviews! Ciara was a trooper and so was I. We got most of the questions answered. You can check out my Bella Teen Ciara interview here.

How long before you were signed did your record actually come out?
Ciara-Almost a year and a half.

Was "1-2 Step" always going to be the second single?
Ciara-Yes. That is what I wanted to be the second single. Some people at the label felt stronger about another record, but I always knew "1-2 Step" was the second single. We had to go in and fix it and then it was like, this is the record, hands down.

Do you have a favorite song on the album?
Ciara-No, I love them all of them all.

I like "Ooh Baby."
Ciara-That's nice. Thank you.

My three year old loves "Pick Up The Phone."
Ciara-Really, thank you. That's cute.

What are your favorite cities to visit?
Ciara-Ooooh…L.A. Miami.

That's hot.
Ciara-Yeah. Uh huh. I would definitely have to say the U.K.

Do you like to shop? If so what are your favorite things to shop for?
Ciara-Yes, I so like shopping. I am impatient though. I will go to the mall and in 30 minutes be ready to go. The good stuff will have to be right in my face. It is so soothing to see those racks of clothes. Sometimes the good stuff is far back in the racks. I also like shopping for shoes. I love shoes.

In the current S2S Magazine, you mention that if you were an artist you would be in college. Down the road do you see yourself still going to college?
Ciara-Oh yes, I'm definitely going to college.

Have you starting thinking about or writing for your next album?
Ciara-Yes, I have studio time in January, February and March.

How did you get into songwriting?
Ciara-It was just something that came from the heart and mind. I think I came up with some good melodies and a few months later…..

Have you ever considered modeling or acting?
Ciara-Yes both. Actually, I was doing the modeling before I got into music.

Do you have any tour plans coming up?
Ciara-Definitely. Big plans. Working on them now.

Do you ever get star struck when you meet other celebrities?
Ciara-Ummmm star struck, I don't want to say that. I can't say it doesn't catch me off guard. It's just reality. It's like oh my goodness. This is crazy. When I met Patti Labelle, oh my goodness she is somebody I really respected it was like whoa and really showed me how blessed I am.

How are you doing with being a celebrity and getting recognized and everything?
Ciara-Ummm …you know I'm pretty much the same person. I take it for what it is. I love the fans. I appreciate it.

You can visit Ciara at her official website http://www.ciaraworld.com.

Interview copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, thabiz.com 2004.