Born in New Jersey on September 26, 1981, but raised in Waldorf, Maryland,
Christina Milian is a versatile talent whose resume includes film, television,
theater and music. She recently appeared in the television movie "The Christmas
Cupid" and on "CSI" and enjoyed a recurring role as the voice of Esther on
"Family Guy."
She also starred in the last installment of the popular "Bring It On" franchise,
entitled "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish." Prior to that, Milian's
feature-film credits include "Pulse," "Be Cool," "Man of the House," "Love Don't
Cost a Thing," "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Torque."
Kam Williams: Hi Christina, thanks for the interview.
Christina Milian: Thank you, Kam.
KW: What interested you in being the Social Media Correspondent on NBC’s The
Voice?
CM: Well, I thought it was an interesting concept when they approached me
with the idea, because I’ve always been heavily engaged with my fans on the
internet from day one. That connection’s one of the reasons why I’ve been
able to enjoy such longevity in my career. I guess NBC must have noticed
that one of my main staples is social media. So, when they approached me for
The Voice, I thought “Why not be the first one to do it?”
KW: When do you work in that capacity? Just during the hours when the show
is on the air?
CM: No, all the time. I tweet day and night about the show, and the entire
time while it’s airing. So, the fans are completely engaged while it’s on.
But I constantly get messages asking questions about the stars of The Voice.
I also posted a ton of interviews I’ve done with all the artists, the
coaches and the advisers on the show. So, I do my job 24/7.
KW: What do you think of the show’s blind audition format?
CM: I love it! That’s what make our show unique and gives it so much more
integrity. After all, the show is called The Voice. It’s about vocals, and
you have to stand out to get the attention of these four, Grammy-winning
superstars who have an amazing ear and know what they’re talking about. They
rely on their ear as well as the reaction of fans in the audience to figure
out whether that contestant is worth pressing that red button for. It’s a
great concept which keeps everybody on the edge of their seat. It’s also
kind of scary because sometimes they don’t press the button for people who
do have the talent and do have the look. You just never know what’s going to
happen.
KW: Do you ever disagree with the judges?
CM: Oh, there have been moments. But remember, I’m watching the actual
person. I can’t say what I would do if I were turned around and couldn’t see
them.
KW: How hard is it to get on the show? How many people applied?
CM: We have thousands and thousands. Over 30,000 people auditioned all
around the country to get down to the final 100+ who made the cut.
KW: You’re multi-talented: singer, songwriter, actress, dancer,
choreographer, model and now you’ve added correspondent. Which one is your
favorite?
CM: I’m an entertainer, period. But I’d probably have to say my passion is
in singing. I’m willing to go broke singing. [LOL]
KW: What’s coming up for you, musically?
CM: Big things are about to happen. I’ve recently signed a new record deal
and I’m already in the studio working on my next album.
KW: Larry Greenberg says: I'm trying to promote an independent film I made
on social media, mainly Facebook. It can be overwhelming. Do you have any
tips about the best way to reach fans online?
CM: Definitely pay attention to things like hashtags and to what’s trending
at the moment. Try to connect to what’s hot and to reach out to and to
follow the right people. You never know who might retweet you and help you
get some more followers.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
CM: Are you a different person in front of the camera than the person you
are behind closed doors? I used to be, but no longer. I find I don’t need to
be polished. I feel that you have to keep it real, and that’s the best way
to go.
KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
CM: I have had fear in the past, yes. I’ve learned to fight it. But I still
have my moments. I just have to remind myself that fear is all within your
mind, and that you’re only holding yourself back when you give in to it.
Even fear of success can be scary. Just get over it!
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
CM: Very happy! I’m extremely happy!
KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?
CM: Oh my gosh! This morning, after I woke up from a dream in which I was
crying. [Giggles] I was crying really hard, and I had a good laugh telling
my friends why I had this long, drawn-out crying dream. It was really funny
because I hadn’t had a dream like that in a long time.
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
CM: There are so many. I make a great lasagna. I also like making
piccadillo. It’s a Cuban dish with ground beef, tomato sauce, garlic and
olives served over rice, with plantains. My ex-husband and all my boyfriends
love it.
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is your favorite charity?
CM: Penny Lane. It’s part of Children Uniting Nations, which mentors
children in foster care, so that they can have a good life after they leave
the foster care system.
KW: The
Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you?
CM: Work! Opportunities! And the chance to help my family.
KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
CM: Barbara Bui.
KW: Dante Lee, author of "Black Business Secrets,” asks: What was the best
business decision you ever made, and what was the worst?
CM: My best was to become a songwriter. I can’t say that I have a worst,
because I don’t have any regrets.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
CM: [Chuckles] A wise, proud happy person.
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
CM: Oh man! Can we just keep it real? To win the jackpot in the lottery.
[LOL]
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
CM: My mom was a cheerleader and had me as a teenager. I remember her giving
me some pom-poms and teaching me how to do some splits when I was 3 or 4.
KW: The Mike Pittman question: Who was your best friend as a child?
CM: Myself, my mom, and then, when I was about 7, I became close friends
with a girl named Christie Collins, even though our families were so
different. We lived across from each other
KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all
successful people share?
CM: The will to never give up and to be fearless. That’s what I have. You
have to be outspoken.
KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?
CM: As a happy, humble person, and as someone who motivated others to never
give up.
KW: Thanks again for the time, Christina, and I hope to talk to you again
when the new album is released.
CM: That would be great, Kam. Thanks!
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