Ciara

Ciara Princess Wilson ( ; Harris; born October 25, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, model and entrepreneur. She released her debut studio album, '' Goodies'' in 2004, which spawned four singles: " Goodies" (featuring Petey Pablo), "1, 2 Step" (featuring Missy Elliott), " Oh" (featuring Ludacris) and "And I". "Goodies" topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, as well as the UK Singles Chart, while "1, 2 Step" and "Oh" both peaked at two on the Hot 100 and charted within the top five in the UK. The album was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and garnered two nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Ciara was also featured on Missy Elliott's " Lose Control" and Bow Wow's " Like You", both of which reached number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. In 2006, Ciara released her second studio album, '' Ciara: The Evolution'', which spawned the hit singles "Get Up" (featuring Chamillionaire), " Promise", " Like a Boy" and " Can't Leave 'em Alone" (featuring 50 Cent). The album reached number one in the U.S. and was certified platinum.

Ciara's third studio album, '' Fantasy Ride'' (2009) was less successful than her first two albums. However, it produced the international top-ten single " Love Sex Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake), which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The following year, Ciara released her fourth studio album ''Basic Instinct'', which included the R&B top-five single "Ride" (featuring Ludacris). After ''Basic Instinct'' was met with low sales, Ciara signed a new record deal with Epic Records in 2011. Ciara's fifth studio album, '' Ciara'' (2013), peaked at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200. It spawned the single " Body Party", which peaked within the top-ten of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Her sixth album, '' Jackie'' (2015), included the singles " I Bet" and " Dance like We're Making Love". The next year, Ciara would sign a modeling contract with IMG, become a Global Brand Ambassador for the cosmetics giant Revlon, and marry quarterback Russell Wilson. Her seventh album, '' Beauty Marks'' (2019), included the hit single " Level Up". Ciara would return in 2022 having signed a new record deal with Republic Records and Uptown Records, in partnership with her label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. She released her single " Jump" as the lead for her upcoming eighth studio album on July 8, 2022.

Ciara is also an actress, having appeared in '' All You've Got'' (2006), '' Mama, I Want to Sing!'' (2012), '' That’s My Boy'' (2012), and
'' The Game'' (2013). In March 2022, it was announced that Ciara had joined the cast of the 2023 remake of '' The Color Purple'' as Nettie.

Ciara has received multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award, two BET Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, seven Soul Train Awards, thirteen Ascap Music Awards. As of 2019, Ciara's worldwide sales total over 45 million.

Early life

Ciara Princess Harris was born in Fort Hood, Texas, on October 25, 1985, the only child of Jackie and Carlton Clay Harris. An army brat, she grew up in Georgia, New York, Utah, California, Arizona, and Nevada. She was named after the Revlon fragrance Ciara which was introduced in 1973. During her teens, Ciara and her family settled in Riverdale, Georgia.

In her mid-teens, Ciara formed the all-girl group Hearsay with two of her friends. The group recorded demos, but as time went on, they began to have differences and eventually parted ways. Despite this setback, Ciara signed a publishing deal as a songwriter.

Her first writing credit was on Blu Cantrell's debut album, '' So Blu'', for the song "10,000 Times". She also wrote the song "Got Me Waiting" for R&B singer Fantasia Barrino's debut album, ''Free Yourself''. 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 that was released two years later. "1, 2 Step" was the second single released from the album and it was a hit.

Career

2003–2005: ''Goodies''

After graduating from Riverdale High School in Riverdale, Georgia in 2003, she was signed by LaFace Records executive, L.A. Reid, whom she was introduced to by Jazze Pha. She began production on her debut album later that year. In early 2004, she wrote a demo with record producer, Sean Garrett, which came 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!".

Ciara released her debut album '' Goodies'' on September 28, 2004. The album debuted at number three on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200, selling 125,000 copies in its initial week and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Following the release of the album, Ciara was called the "First Lady of Crunk&B". ''Goodies'' had a 71-week run on the ''Billboard'' 200, and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on October 10, 2006.RIAA Searchable Database – "Ciara"
Recording Industry Association of America. Accessed May 21, 2008. Charting at twenty-two on the Canadian Albums Chart, it was certified Platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association. The album charted at 26 on the UK Albums Chart, and spent 20 weeks on the chart. It was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry.

''Goodies'' lead single, the title track, featuring Petey Pablo, was released on June 8, 2004. Conceived as a crunk female counterpart to Usher's " Yeah!", the lyrical content goes against the grain, speaking of abstinence, rejecting advances because "the goodies will stay in the jar." Critics hailed it as an "anthem of the summer" and one of the best singles of the year, complementing its dance-feel and beat, and the irony of the "clever" lyrics. The single performed well worldwide, topping the charts in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and charting in the top 10 of other charts, receiving Platinum certification in the United States. "1, 2 Step" featuring Missy Elliott was released as the album's second single. The song peaked in the top 10 of many countries, topping the charts in Canada, and went on to become Platinum or Gold in many countries. " Oh" featuring Ludacris was released as the third single on March 5, 2005. The song performed well worldwide, appearing in the top 10 of seven charts, and certified either Platinum or Gold in multiple regions.

Following the success of the album, Ciara released a CD/DVD entitled '' Goodies: The Videos & More'' in the United States on July 12, 2005, which featured remixes to "1, 2 Step" and "Oh", as well as two new songs. The release was certified platinum in the United States. She made guest appearances on Missy Elliott's single " Lose Control" and on Bow Wow's single " Like You", which both peaked at number three in the United States and obtained worldwide success. She was 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. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, Ciara received four nominations for Best New Artist, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "1, 2 Step", Best Rap Song for Missy Elliott's single "Lose Control", and won her last nomination, Best Short Form Music Video for "Lose Control".

2006–2007: ''Ciara: The Evolution'' and acting debut

On December 5, 2006, Ciara released her second studio album, '' Ciara: The Evolution''. According to the singer, the title of the album is "about so much more than just my personal growth – it's about the evolution of music, the evolution of dance, the evolution of fashion." The source of the album's creativity such as the sound and edge comes from Ciara in general. ''Ciara: The Evolution'' became Ciara's first and only number one album on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200, and her second number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts with sales of 338,000 in the first week. The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States, and has sold 1.3 million copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The album's international lead single, "Get Up", which features Chamillionaire, reached number seven in the United States and gained a platinum accreditation. It reached number five in New Zealand. The song was used for the film '' Step Up'' (2006) and featured on the film's soundtrack. The album's US lead single, " Promise", reached number 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and became her third number one single on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. " Like a Boy" was released as the second international single which reached within the top 20 in the UK, Finland, France, Ireland, Sweden Switzerland, and also in the United States. Ciara – Billboard Artist Chart History''Billboard Charts''; retrieved December 17, 2010. The fourth and final single from the album, " Can't Leave 'em Alone", reached number 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 40 on the ''Billboard Hot 100.'' The song became Ciara's fifth single to peak in the top in New Zealand, peaking at number 4. The song achieved moderate success in other international markets.

In support of the album, Ciara went on her first headlining tour in October 2006. The tour went to seventeen different clubs in cities throughout the United States. The tour was met with mixed to positive reviews; critics were divided regarding the pre-recorded backing tracks and remarked that Ciara was slightly under-prepared to host her headlining tour, but ultimately praised her energetic choreography. In August 2007, she headlined the Screamfest '07 tour with fellow rapper, T.I. Critics praised her performance for her gracious dancing and being able to command a sold-out arena. Ciara, along with Chris Brown and Akon, was a support act for Rihanna's ''Good Girl Gone Bad Tour'' in the United Kingdom. She made a guest appearance on " So What" by Field Mob. The single went on to become a top 10 hit on the ''Billboard Hot 100.'' She also appeared on Tiffany Evans' single " Promise Ring". The song achieved little success on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

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. The movie received mixed to positive reviews; critics said the movie was predictable but still enjoyable.

2008–2011: ''Fantasy Ride'', ''Basic Instinct'' and label change

In October 2008, Ciara was honored as ''Billboard''s "Woman of the Year", because of her success as a recording artist and leadership in embracing the changing music business.
Although her third album was originally scheduled for a September 2008 release, '' Fantasy Ride'' was released after several delays in May 2009. The album combines her R&B and hip hop sound from her previous albums along with a new pop and dance sound. While talking to MTV News, Ciara said, "I'm having a bit more fun with my lyrics. I'm not afraid. In the beginning, I was conscious and really protective and somewhat scared about doing some things. With this album I'm not holding back, there's freedom. It's just the space I'm in right now." It became Ciara's first top ten album in the UK.

" Go Girl" was the first single released from the album. It was originally the lead single from the album, but the single achieved minimum success and was later deemed a promo single. However, the single managed to reach the top of the charts in Japan. The album's official lead single, " Never Ever", which features Young Jeezy, was released in the United States in January 2009 and reached a peak of number nine on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The second single, " Love Sex Magic", featuring Justin Timberlake, became a worldwide hit, peaking within the top 10 in 20 countries including the U.S., where it peaked at number 10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It went on to be certified platinum in Australia and received a gold accreditation in New Zealand. It received a nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and also for Best Choreography in a Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "Work", the final single, achieved moderate success in international markets.

In July 2009, Ciara headlined the '' Jay-Z & Ciara Live'' tour with Jay-Z. Her performance received mixed reviews; critics said although her dancing was top-notch, she seemed disconnected from the crowd. She was also the support act for Britney Spears's '' Circus'' tour, where she performed eight nights at London's prestigious O2 Arena during June 2009. Her performance received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who noted her dancing skills as being spectacular and arguably better than Britney Spears'. Ciara made a guest appearance on Nelly's single "Stepped On My J'z" from his album ''Brass Knuckles''. The song achieved minimal success in the U.S.. Ciara was also featured on Enrique Iglesias' single, " Takin' Back My Love", from his ''Greatest Hits'' album. The song became an international hit, peaking in the top 10 of over 15 countries, and being certified Gold in Russia, with sales of over 100,000. In February 2010, Ciara along with Pitbull was featured on the remix to Ludacris' hit single " How Low". The following month, Ciara made a cameo appearance in the music video of Usher's single, "Lil' Freak".

Ciara released her fourth studio album, ''Basic Instinct'', on December 14, 2010. She told Pete Lewis of ''Blues & Soul'' magazine that the album is about her trusting her instinct and going back to the R&B/urban basics, in the days of " Goodies" and "1, 2 Step". It was executive-produced by the singer alongside her A&R agent Mark Pitts and writing/production duo Tricky Stewart and The-Dream who also produced records for her previous album, '' Fantasy Ride''. ''Basic Instinct'' debuted at number forty-four on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200 chart, with first-week sales of 37,000 copies, becoming her first album to not peak within the top three. On the U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the album opened at number 11, her only album to not peak within the top two of the chart.
The lead single, "Ride", which features Ludacris, was released on April 26, 2010. It peaked at number 42 on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot 100, number three on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming her twelfth top ten hit on the chart, and number seventy-five on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video won the award for "Best Dance Performance" at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards. " Speechless" was released as the second single from the album and achieved minimal success, peaking at only number 74 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. " Gimmie Dat", the third single from the album was praised by critics but failed to become a hit, peaking at only 63 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and number 27 on the urban charts in the UK. In November 2010, Ciara performed at the Summerbeatz