Jamila Velazquez into the “Be true episode that is” ofEmpire” airing Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015 on FOX.
In the event that you’ve been viewing Empire in 2010 — and also you better, since it’s oh-so-good — you may possibly have noticed there clearly was lots of Latin celebrity energy, especially from Becky G and Pitbull, each of who guested on current episodes.
But on last week’s Oct. 14 episode, a voice that is fresh, and it also ended up being a face we’dn’t seen before. Still, she had Hakeem in love, had us significantly more than had and intrigued Twitter blowing up. That voice/face possesses title, and it’s 19-year-old Jamila Velazquez, an actress/singer of Puerto Rican, Dominican and descent that is ecuadorian making her Hollywood dreams become a reality.
The great news is that beautiful solamente of hers we heard (“Lago Azul,” a Spanish address of Linda Rondstadt’s “Blue Bayou”) won’t function as final. There’s many more Jamila where that originated in — she actually is in 9 from the 18 episodes in period 2.
We called up the budding singer/actress, who’s originally from Bronx, nyc, it is in Chicago at this time shooting the show. She offered us the information on things Empire, her influences that are musical and just just what she’s got cooking when you look at the months ahead both regarding the music and television front side.
If you need an alternative taste on http://www.hookupdate.net/adventure-dating her behalf noise other than her Empire music, check always down her heartfelt pop/rock ballad “Nothing as if you,” which she had written by by herself and reminds us of a new Shakira right right straight back within the time. There’s a version that is bilingual of, too, and so the opportunities for crossover stardom are endless.
And you know what, A&Rs? She’s still unsigned! Though probably maybe maybe not for very long…
Just exactly How do you secure the Empire role?
I’ve been acting and performing since I have had been 15 since I was a little girl and I started auditioning. After about 2 yrs of auditioning is whenever we booked my very very very first part on legislation & Order: SVU, I quickly got a part that is recurring this show called Twisted on ABC Family. After which, literally per week before we auditioned for Empire, i acquired a small visitor component on Orange could be the brand new Ebony (the future 4th season). I happened to be therefore delighted whenever the call was got by me about Empire because my children and I also are such big fans for the show. I happened to be really wondering, why aren’t there any Latinas on the website? And lo and behold, they had written a right component for a Latina.
Therefore awesome! Exactly what do you reveal regarding your character?
Laura Calleros is her title and she’s a Nuyorican through the Bronx. You will have a relationship sooner or later between her and Hakeem. Personally I think like she’s simply really genuine, in comparison to everyone Hakeem that is else is to working together with. She’s a lady whom actually demands their respect and works hard; she’s maybe not the kind to rest her method to the most notable. I believe performing is one of exciting section of being from the show, because before this, I wasn’t really venturing out here and doing any gigs. I happened to be actually nervous like it’d be amazing practice to get better at being a performer and commanding the stage because I knew they would make me sing and dance but I also felt. It truly introduced my self- confidence.
That really must be this type of fun set. Can you connect to Cookie Taraji P. Henson at all?
It’s! She’s simply great, constantly improvising. We think that’s one of the better areas of the show may be the freedom for the cast to create their things that are own. It makes it fun that is extra watch and she’s certainly the only whom brings that the essential to create.
Talking about the Cookie Monster, does she accept with this love with Hakeem?
Well, you’ll see…laughs
Who’s your favorite character in the show?
We just love Porsha (Ta’Rhonda Jones), whom plays Cookie’s associate. This is certainly her very very first performing work and she’s simply so charismatic. She’s always bringing the comedy.
We heard “Lago Azul,” which will be stunning. Is indicative of Laura’s sound regarding the show?
There’s likely to be more formal tracks from the show plus some features with Hakeem . It is gonna be dope. Most of the songs have been in English, for the reason that metropolitan pop music noise. I experienced really never ever been aware of “Blue Bayou” before this, but my loved ones did. I was given by them the history and showed me personally the vocalists that sang it before me personally. We liked it; I thought it absolutely was the perfect introduction for my character.
Please elaborate!
Well, into the scene you can view that it is her very first performance, the track starts small and quiet and it also simply develops up after that. There’s so much area to actually, really sing for the reason that track. It absolutely was perfect because she’s not sure what she’s doing but then fundamentally she simply allows go.
That are your musical impacts?
Growing up, I really enjoyed Cher; she’s an symbol, has been doing amazing films and she’s had lots of hits, too. Fiona Apple is regarded as my favorites. We have a wide selection; We get from Led Zeppelin and Alice in Chains to Future and Drake. In terms of Latin music, i usually adored Amanda Miguel. That’s who my moms and dads revealed me personally once I began performing Spanish ballads. I prefer Laura Pausini and undoubtedly Shakira, because she’s just amazing.
When did you learn you’d that big sound?
I usually enjoyed to sing however when I became around 10 my parents had been like, “There’s one thing here, she can actually try this.” I took vocal classes until I happened to be about 14 or 15. We haven’t done vocal mentoring recently because I’m busy utilizing the show, however it’s positively one thing i wish to return to it because i want it.
So what’s waiting for you for you beyond the show?
I’ve a track called “Nothing it’s a classic, alternative, pop/rock break-up song, and that’s kind of where I want to go, but I might also go in a different direction like you” on YouTube. And I’m nevertheless auditioning for acting functions. For me personally, both acting and performing simply mesh. I like telling tales so that they both make me just because happy.