Ciara Princess Harris (born October 25, 1985), who performs under the mononym Ciara (pronounced /siˈærə/), is an American recording artist, producer, dancer, fashion model, and actress. Born in Austin, Texas, 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 three million in U.S and over five million worldwide.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 three million worldwide.
Ciara's third studio album, Fantasy Ride, was released in the United States on May 5, 2009. The first official single, the R&B/Hip-Hop Charts top ten hit "Never Ever", features rapper Young Jeezy and was released in January 2009. The second single, grammy-nominated and worldwide hit "Love Sex Magic" featuring Justin Timberlake, was released in March 2009. Since its release, the single became a hit on numerous charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 10. The third single, "Like a Surgeon" and fourth single "Work" were both released in July 2009.
It was confirmed in September 2009 that Ciara has been working with Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Justin Timberlake, and Rodney Jerkins, on her yet-to-be titled fourth studio album. The project was originally intended for a 2009 release, but is now slated for a 2010 release. It was to be produced and written entirely by the trio, but it has now been announced that she will be working with other producers.
Early life: Ciara was born in Austin, Texas; She is the only child of Jackie (née Smith) and Carlton Clay 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. During her teens, Ciara and her family settled in Atlanta. 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 but often cites Michael Jackson as her biggest inspiration. Then, Ciara joined a girl group called Hearsay and worked on her songwriting. 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. 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!".
Other venturesFashion interests:
Ciara signed a 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.
In November 9, 2009, it was announced that Ciara would be modeling in the German edition of "Vogue".
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. 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. The movie was originally supposed to be released to theaters in October 2008, but now the movie will be released in Fall 2009, due to filming extra scenes for the film.
Endorsement Deals:
In November 2009, it was announced that Ciara would be the new face of a major multimedia ad campaign for Verizon’s high end smartphone, LG Chocolate Touch. Ciara has filmed a commercial for the campaign, which features her dancing to her single "Work". While dancing she is trying to persuade a male customer to buy the phone. She has also filmed other commercials with Verizon, that will premiere soon.
Charity:In September, 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, 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. 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. The television special helped raise $100 million dollars for cancer research. The single is now available via digital download.
In November, 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."
