Ciara facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ciara
Ciara in 2019
Born	Ciara Princess Harris (1985-10-25) October 25, 1985 (age 39) Fort Hood, Texas, U.S.
Education	Riverdale High School
Occupation	Singer songwriter dancer actress
Years active	2001–present
Spouse(s)	Russell Wilson ​ (m. 2016)​
Children	4
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	R&B pop hip hop dance crunk
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Uptown Republic ADA Beauty Marks/Vydia Epic Jive Zomba LaFace Sho'nuff

Ciara Princess Wilson (born October 25, 1985), whose maiden name was Harris, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She became famous in the early 2000s after being discovered by music producer Jazze Pha. Her first album, Goodies (2004), was a huge success.

The main song from the album, "Goodies" (featuring Petey Pablo), reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other popular songs like "1, 2 Step" (featuring Missy Elliott) and "Oh" (featuring Ludacris) both reached number two. The album sold millions of copies and was nominated for two Grammy Awards. Ciara also appeared on hit songs by Missy Elliott ("Lose Control") and Bow Wow ("Like You") in 2005.

Her second album, Ciara: The Evolution (2006), topped the Billboard 200 chart. It included popular songs like "Get Up", "Promise", and "Like a Boy." Ciara's third album, Fantasy Ride (2009), had the hit song "Love ... Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake), which was nominated for a Grammy. Her fourth album, Basic Instinct (2010), featured "Ride" (with Ludacris).

After signing with Epic Records, Ciara released her fifth album, Ciara (2013), which reached number two on the Billboard 200. It included the popular song "Body Party". Her sixth album, Jackie (2015), featured the hit "I Bet".

In 2016, Ciara signed a modeling contract with IMG and became a Global Brand Ambassador for the makeup company Revlon. She also married football player Russell Wilson. Her seventh album, Beauty Marks (2019), was her first independent release and included the popular song "Level Up". She later released her first EP, CiCi (2023), with Uptown Records.

Ciara has also acted in movies like All You've Got (2006) and The Color Purple (2023). She has won many awards, including a Grammy Award, two BET Awards, and the Woman of the Year award from Billboard Women in Music. By 2019, Ciara had sold over 45 million records around the world.

Early Life and Music Start

Ciara Princess Harris was born in Fort Hood, Texas, on October 25, 1985. She was the only child of Jackie and Carlton Clay Harris. Because her dad was in the army, she grew up in many different states like Georgia, New York, Utah, California, Arizona, and Nevada. She was named after a Revlon perfume called Ciara.

When she was a teenager, Ciara and her family settled in College Park, Georgia, near Atlanta. She went to North Clayton High School and later graduated from Riverdale.

In her mid-teens, Ciara formed an all-girl group called Hearsay with two friends. They recorded some songs, but they eventually went their separate ways. Even with this, Ciara got a deal to write songs for other artists.

She wrote a song called "10,000 Times" for Blu Cantrell's first album, So Blu. She also wrote "Got Me Waiting" for R&B singer Fantasia Barrino's album, Free Yourself. While writing, she met music producer Jazze Pha, who she called her "music soulmate." In 2002, they recorded four demo songs, including "1, 2 Step", which became a big hit on her debut album two years later.

Music Career Highlights

2003–2005: Goodies Album Success

After finishing high school in 2003, Ciara signed with LaFace Records. She started working on her first album that same year. In early 2004, she wrote a demo with producer Sean Garrett that caught the attention of Lil Jon. This song became her first single, "Goodies". Lil Jon thought it would be a hit because it sounded like Usher's popular song, "Yeah!".

Ciara released her first album, Goodies, on September 28, 2004. It quickly reached number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 125,000 copies in its first week. The album was later certified triple platinum, meaning it sold over three million copies in the United States.

The song "Goodies" was released on June 8, 2004. It was designed to be a female version of "Yeah!" and talked about saving herself for the right person. Critics loved it, calling it an "anthem of the summer." The song was a hit worldwide, reaching number one in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

"1, 2 Step" featuring Missy Elliott was the second single. This song also became a top 10 hit in many countries. "Oh" featuring Ludacris was the third single, released on March 5, 2005. It was also very successful, appearing in the top 10 in several countries.

After her album's success, Ciara released a CD/DVD called Goodies: The Videos & More in July 2005. She also appeared on hit songs like "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "Like You" by Bow Wow. Both songs reached number three in the U.S. Ciara opened for Gwen Stefani's tour and toured with Chris Brown and Bow Wow. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, Ciara won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for "Lose Control."

2006–2007: Ciara: The Evolution and First Acting Role

On December 5, 2006, Ciara released her second album, Ciara: The Evolution. Ciara said the album was about her own growth and the growth of music, dance, and fashion. Ciara: The Evolution became Ciara's first album to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. It sold 338,000 copies in its first week and was certified platinum.

Ciara performing during her first tour, Ciara: Live in Concert, in November 2006

The album's first international single, "Get Up" (featuring Chamillionaire), reached number seven in the U.S. and was used in the movie Step Up. The U.S. lead single, "Promise", became her third number one song on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Like a Boy" was another popular single, reaching the top 20 in many countries. The last single, "Can't Leave 'em Alone", also did well on the R&B charts.

To support the album, Ciara went on her first tour, Ciara: Live in Concert, in October 2006. She performed in seventeen cities across the U.S. Critics had mixed feelings about the tour, but they praised her energetic dancing. In August 2007, she co-headlined the Screamfest '07 tour with rapper T.I.. Ciara also appeared on songs by Field Mob and Tiffany Evans.

In May 2006, Ciara made her acting debut in the MTV Films movie All You've Got. She played Becca Whiley, a teenager competing in a volleyball tournament.

2008–2011: Fantasy Ride, Basic Instinct and Label Change

Ciara photographed by Oliver Mark, Berlin 2008

In October 2008, Billboard magazine named Ciara "Woman of the Year" for her success in music and her leadership.

After some delays, Ciara's third album, Fantasy Ride, was released in May 2009. This album mixed her usual R&B and hip hop sound with new pop and dance styles. Ciara told MTV News that she was having more fun with her lyrics and not holding back. The album became her first top ten album in the UK.

"Go Girl" was the first song released from the album, but it didn't become a big hit in the U.S. The official first single, "Never Ever" (featuring Young Jeezy), was released in January 2009 and reached number nine on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Work" was the final single and did well in other countries.

Ciara

In July 2009, Ciara co-headlined the Jay-Z & Ciara Live tour with Jay-Z. She also supported Britney Spears on her Circus tour in London, where her dancing skills were highly praised. Ciara was featured on Nelly's song "Stepped On My J'z" and Enrique Iglesias' international hit "Takin' Back My Love". In February 2010, she appeared on a remix of Ludacris' song "How Low".

Ciara released her fourth album, Basic Instinct, on December 14, 2010. She said the album was about trusting her instincts and going back to her R&B roots, like her early hits "Goodies" and "1, 2 Step". The album reached number forty-four on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The first single, "Ride" (featuring Ludacris), was released on April 26, 2010. It reached number three on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video for "Ride" won an award at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards. The next singles, "Speechless" and "Gimmie Dat", had less success.

In February 2011, Ciara announced that she was leaving Jive Records because she felt they weren't promoting her music enough. She even paid for some of her own single promotions. In July 2011, she signed with Epic Records, reuniting with L.A. Reid.

2012–2013: Ciara Album and More Acting

Ciara in 2012

In February 2012, Ciara said she was taking her time to record her fifth album. She worked with many producers and songwriters, trying new things. She wanted to push herself and work with people she hadn't before.

In May 2012, Ciara announced her fifth album would be called One Woman Army. The first single, "Sweat" (featuring 2 Chainz), was planned but never officially released. On August 13, 2012, she announced that "Sorry" would be the official first single. It was released digitally on September 25, 2012.

On October 21, 2012, Rap-Up magazine showed a preview of "Got Me Good", the second single. The song and video premiered in Times Square on October 25, 2012.

On April 15, 2013, Ciara announced that the album title was changed to Ciara. The songs "Sweat," "Sorry," and "Got Me Good" were not included on the album. Instead, "Body Party" became the lead single. It was released in March 2013 and became a big hit, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single was "I'm Out" featuring Nicki Minaj. The album was released on July 9, 2013, and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2012, Ciara also acted in two movies. She starred in Mama, I Want to Sing! as Amara Winter. She also appeared as Brie in the comedy film That's My Boy. In 2013, Ciara had a recurring role as herself on the TV series The Game.

2014–2016: Jackie and Motherhood

In September 2013, Ciara started working on her sixth album. She confirmed in December 2013 that new music would be coming "really soon." In early 2014, she shared a song called "Anytime" featuring her then-boyfriend, rapper Future.

Ciara gave birth to her first child, a son, in May 2014. After her engagement to Future ended, her album release was delayed to 2015. During this time, she focused on being a mom and quietly recorded new music.

"I Bet" was the first single from her album Jackie, released on January 26, 2015. In May 2015, Ciara went on her first tour in six years, the Jackie Tour. Her album Jackie was released on May 1, 2015.

After appearing on the TV show I Can Do That, she co-hosted the Billboard Music Awards in 2016. A few months later, she announced she was pregnant at the American Music Awards.

2017–2021: Beauty Marks and Business Ventures

Ciara in 2019

In 2016, Ciara started working on her seventh album, exploring a new musical direction. On January 27, 2017, she signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records. On July 17, 2018, Ciara released the song and music video for "Level Up". This was the first single from her seventh album, Beauty Marks, which came out on May 10, 2019. Other singles from the album included "Freak Me", "Dose", "Greatest Love", and "Thinkin Bout You".

In July 2019, Ciara became a judge on a new musical competition show on Nickelodeon called America's Most Musical Family. She also appeared on a remix of Blanco Brown's "The Git Up" in December 2019.

After a break for her pregnancy, Ciara released a song and video called "Rooted" (featuring Ester Dean) on August 13, 2020. Between 2020 and 2021, Ciara and her husband Russell Wilson started several businesses. They opened a fashion house called The House of LR&C and signed a deal with Amazon Studios to create Why Not You Productions.

2022–Present: CiCi and The Color Purple

In March 2022, Ciara joined the cast of The Color Purple movie as Nettie Harris. The movie was released on December 25, 2023. Ciara also appeared on the cover of the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, becoming only the third musician to do so.

On June 29, 2022, Ciara announced a new record deal with Republic and Uptown Records, working with her own label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. Her eighth album will be released through this partnership. The first song from this deal was "Jump", released on July 8, 2022. In September 2022, Ciara released "Better Thangs" featuring Summer Walker. The song reached number 13 on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. A remix with rapper GloRilla was released in November 2022.

On March 24, 2023, Ciara released "Da Girls", followed by a remix in April. She also performed with Jackson Wang at Coachella, where they previewed their song "Slow", released the same day. In August 2023, Ciara announced her EP, CiCi, released on August 18, 2023. The lead single was "How We Roll" with Chris Brown.

Artistic Style

Vocals and Music

Ciara is known for her soft, "breathy soprano" voice. Critics have described her voice as "reedy" and "agile." Her music often uses strong beats and catchy vocal lines.

Her first album, Goodies, was influenced by groups like Destiny's Child and compared to Aaliyah. Her second album, Ciara: The Evolution, showed her comfort with dance-inspired beats. Her third album, Fantasy Ride, explored new pop and dance sounds. Ciara's music is mainly contemporary R&B, but it also includes hip hop, crunk, dance-pop, electropop, and funk. Many of her songs are known as "club bangers." Ciara has also tried gospel, country, and afrobeats styles.

Influences

Ciara has cited Michael Jackson as one of her biggest influences.

Ciara has said that watching Destiny's Child and Janet Jackson perform made her want to be a musician. She calls Janet Jackson and her brother Michael her biggest inspirations. Ciara felt it was a huge moment in her career when she was featured on Janet Jackson's 2008 album Discipline. She often talks about Michael Jackson's impact, saying he is "everything to me."

Ciara also looks up to artists like TLC, Jodeci, Sade, Frank Sinatra, Aaliyah, and Whitney Houston. Her second album, Ciara: The Evolution, was influenced by Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna. When recording her fifth album, Ciara, she was inspired by Al Green and Missy Elliott.

Stage Presence and Dancing

Ciara performing in 2015

Ciara is often praised for her energetic stage performances and dance routines. Critics have called her dance moves "incredible" and noted her ability to stay in sync with the music. She is known for her "commanding and relentlessly professional presence" on stage.

While some critics have mentioned her limited vocal ability during live shows, they often praise her confidence and focus on her "almost nonstop, aerobic dance performance."

Dancing is a huge part of Ciara's artistry and music videos. She is known for her precise and difficult dance moves. Her dancing has been compared to Michael and Janet Jackson. Ciara's dance style is usually street, but she has also used ballroom and step in her videos.

Alter Ego

When her album Fantasy Ride (2009) came out, Ciara introduced her alter ego, "Super C." Ciara said Super C represents her "inner strength and aggressive persona." It's like a futuristic superhero version of herself. She created Super C to help her deal with negative energy and stay strong.

Impact and Influence

When her first single "Goodies" was released, Ciara was called the "Princess of Crunk" or the First Lady of Crunk&B. "Goodies" and other songs helped introduce a new style of music called crunk&B to the public. "Goodies" stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, making it the longest-running number-one debut single by a female artist since 1977.

Ciara is seen as a key artist in beat-driven party music and the female face of crunk. Her first album helped bring R&B music back to Atlanta and set a new standard for R&B singers. Many female R&B and K-pop artists have been compared to Ciara in their style.

While her biggest commercial success was in the mid-2000s, Ciara continued to release hit songs in the 2010s. Her 2013 song "Body Party" was very popular and received many awards. Her 2015 single "I Bet" also sold millions of copies.

Ciara's viral hit "Level Up" from 2018 was one of her most famous songs. It led to the popular #LevelUp dance challenge. The song also helped bring Jersey and Baltimore club music into the mainstream. Ciara's music is popular with club and underground music producers, and many remixes of her songs have become popular.

Ciara is recognized for raising the bar for dance, choreography, and visual art in her generation. She is seen as an icon in dance, entertainment, and R&B. On July 28, 2024, Ciara was honored with her own official day in Atlanta.

Many artists have said Ciara influenced or inspired them, including Ari Lennox, Baby Tate, Chloe × Halle, Dua Lipa, Jackson Wang, Kehlani, Latto, Normani, Rauw Alejandro, Taylor Swift, and Tyla.

Personal Life

In 2013, Ciara got engaged to rapper Future. They had a son born on May 19, 2014. Their engagement ended in August 2014.

Ciara and her now-husband Russell Wilson meeting Barack Obama and Shinzō Abe at the White House in 2015

Ciara started dating NFL quarterback Russell Wilson in early 2015. They announced their engagement on March 11, 2016, and got married on July 6 at Peckforton Castle in England. Ciara took Wilson's last name after they married. She and Wilson have three children together, born in 2017, 2020, and 2023.

Ciara is a Christian.

Other Ventures

Business

Ciara became the face of Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line in 2007.

In 2009, Ciara signed a big deal with the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models. She appeared in many magazines and also wanted to start her own clothing line. In November 2009, she modeled for the German edition of Vogue and became the new face for Verizon's LG Chocolate Touch phone. In March 2010, Ciara became a spokesperson for Adidas Originals.

On May 12, 2016, Ciara signed a modeling contract with IMG. Later that year, she became a Global Brand Ambassador for the makeup company Revlon.

In August 2019, she and her husband Russell Wilson became part owners of the Seattle Sounders FC soccer team.

In 2020, Ciara, her husband, and Christine Day started a fashion house called The House of LR&C. In 2021, Ciara launched her Dare To Roam collection of backpacks made from recycled plastic.

Ciara and her husband also own a production company called Why Not You Productions, which works with Amazon Prime Video.

In October 2021, Ciara became an investor and co-owner in the Caribbean rum brand Ten To One Rum.

In September 2021, Ciara and Wilson announced they were writing a children's book called Why Not You? (2022) to inspire kids to follow their dreams. The book became a New York Times bestseller.

In August, Ciara announced her skincare line, On A Mission, which launched in mid-September.

Philanthropy

In September 2008, Ciara helped with the song "Just Stand Up!" with fifteen other female artists. They performed the song live for the "Stand Up to Cancer" TV special. Money from the song went to cancer research, helping to raise $100 million.

In 2009, Ciara supported Dosomething.org's "Do Something 101" campaign to collect school supplies for students in need.

In December 2017, Ciara joined her husband's 'Why Not You' Foundation as a board director. Through the foundation, they opened a charter school called Why Not You Academy in June 2021. They also partnered with the NFL Players Association and Goalsetter to help students at Denny International Middle School with a donation of $35,000 in May 2021. Ciara also partnered with the Black Women's Health Imperative to raise awareness about cervical cancer among black women.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ciara donated one million meals to Food Lifeline to help people in the Puget Sound Region.

Discography

Studio albums

• Goodies (2004)
• Ciara: The Evolution (2006)
• Fantasy Ride (2009)
• Basic Instinct (2010)
• Ciara (2013)
• Jackie (2015)
• Beauty Marks (2019)

Tours

Headlining

• Ciara: Live in Concert (2006)
• Jackie Tour (2015)
• Beauty Marks Tour (2019)

Co-headlining

• Screamfest '07 (with T.I.) (2007)
• Jay-Z & Ciara Live (with Jay-Z) (2009)

Supporting act

• Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005 (Gwen Stefani) (2005)
• Good Girl Gone Bad Tour (Rihanna) (2007)
• The Circus Starring Britney Spears (Britney Spears) (2009)
• 24K Magic World Tour (Bruno Mars) (2018)
• Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience Tour (Missy Elliott) (2024)

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

Documentary

Images for kids

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  Ciara in 2019

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  Ciara's logo

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  Ciara performing during her debut tour Ciara: Live in Concert in November 2006

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  Ciara photographed by Oliver Mark, Berlin 2008

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  Ciara

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  Ciara in 2012

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  Ciara in 2019

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  Ciara and her now-husband Russell Wilson meeting Barack Obama and Shinzō Abe at the White House in 2015

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  Ciara has cited Michael Jackson as one of her biggest influences.

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  Ciara performing in 2015

See also

In Spanish: Ciara para niños

• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of awards and nominations received by Ciara
• List of dancers