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News Christina Milian: ‘The Voice’ Interview Born in New Jersey on Sept. 26, 1981, but raised in Waldorf, Md., 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." Christina kickstarted her showbiz career at a young age, when she became a junior journalist on the Disney Channel's "Movie ‘After all, the show is called The Voice. It’s about vocals’ Surfers." Before igniting her musical jour- ney, she appeared on such TV shows as "Clueless," "Sister, Sister," "Smart Guy," "Charmed," "The Steve Harvey Show" and as a recurring character on "Get Real." Christina's "It's About Time," released on Island/Def Jam Recordings, featured the mega-hit "Dip It Low" which combined a unique blend of urban, Latin and pop sound. Her self- titled debut, "Christina Milian," produced the hit "AM to PM." She moved to California at the young age C ELEBRITY I NTERVIEW by Kam Williams of 13 and was selected to sing the hook on Ja Rule's No. 1 hit single, "Between Me and You." The enormous success of the song introduced her to the mainstream music world and gave her commercial success. Christina subsequently co-wrote the Jen- nifer Lopez hit "Play" and she was one of the co-writers of Justin Bieber's smash "Baby." Here, she talks about serving as the Social Media Correspondent on NBC’s The Voice, where she brought viewers closer to the competition as bridge between the on-air and online experiences. That enabled the show’s fans to appreciate the entire production process through exclusive interviews, video, photos, news about the coaches and artists and a live twit- ter feed on the official website at www.nbc.com/ the-voice/. 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 rea- sons 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 complete- ly 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, song- writer, actress, dancer, choreographer, model and now you’ve added correspon- dent. Which one is your favorite? KB: 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, musical- ly? 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! Opening This Week continued from page 2 country’s role in the Holocaust. Portrait of Wally (Unrated) Courtroom documentary chronicling the 1997 legal case pitting the Museum of Modern Art against the rightful heirs of a priceless Egon Schiele painting looted by the Nazis in Vienna during World War II. The Road (R for terror, violence and dis- turbing images) Haunted highway horror flick about a decade-old, unsolved murder case reopened after three teens (Barbie Forteza, Derick Monasterio and Lexi Fer- nandez) go missing along the same stretch of an abandoned boulevard. With TJ Trinidad, Rhian Ramos and Alden Richards. (In Filipino, Tagalog and English with subtitles) Small, Beautifully Moving Parts (Unrat- ed) Baby-maybe comedy about a pregnant woman (Anna Margaret Hollyman) who is ambivalent about becoming a parent despite her boyfriend’s (Andre Holland) unbridled enthusiasm. With Sarah Rafferty, Mary Beth Peil and Richard Hoag. Tonight You’re Mine (R for profanity and sexuality) Battle of the bands comedy about the argumentative lead singers (Luke Page 4 The Seattle Skanner May 9, 2012 Treadaway and Natalia Tena) of competing rock groups who find themselves forced to settle their differences after being hand- cuffed to each other by a preacher (Joseph Mydell) the day before they’re both sup- posed to perform at a music festival. Sup- port cast includes Mathew Baynton, Alastair Mackenzie and Gavin Mitchell Under African Skies (Unrated) Paul Simon returns to South Africa for a reunion concert a quarter-century after he recorded his Graceland album there much to the cha- grin of the anti-Apartheid movement trying to topple the racist regime. With commen- tary by Harry Belafonte, Whoopi Goldberg, David Byrne and Maya Angelou. Where Do We Go Now? (PG-13 for sen- suality, violent images and drug use) Mid- dle East dramedy about a group of Lebanese women’s effort to ease escalating tensions between Christians and Muslims in their tiny hometown by surreptitiously feeding the feuding men brownies baked with hashish. Starring Nadine Labaki, Leyla Hakim, Antoinette Noufaily and Claude Moussawbaa. (In Arabic, Russian and English with subtitles)
