CiaraSinger-songwriter, dancer, fashion model, actress Ciara is quite the force to be reckoned with. Even if you tried to, it’s almost impossible to deny her rising influence in the music industry.

After the 23-year-old artist first released her single and album ‘Goodies,’ (which sold over five million records worldwide) in 2004, rumours surrounding Ciara’s sex arose. Some critics assumed that this foolish speculation would result in an early demise for this young singer. 

But, in one of those (many) life moments, they were proven wrong.

Two years later, Ciara’s second album ‘Ciara: The Evolution’ went platinum five weeks after its release. Her chart topping singles “Get Up”, “Like a Boy” and “Promise” and her appearance in Missy Elliot’s Grammy award winning video “Lose Control” proved this artist was just starting to make her mark.

Now, Ciara’s upcoming highly anticipated third album “Fantasy Ride” is certain to be her biggest career hit to date. According to reports, the album includes guest appearances by Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Missy Elliot and the now media disgraced Chris Brown.

Both her collaborations with Enrique Iglesias for “Takin’ Back My Love” and Justin Timberlake for “Love Sex Magic” exude an overwhelming mixture of sexiness and classiness. In both videos, even with the presence of good/bad boys Enrique and Justin, Ciara manages to steal the spotlight.

Heck, with a body like that, it’s not hard to see why.

But even with her success, comes criticism. 

Ciara’s superhero/alter ego, Super C, is labelled a rip off of Beyoncé Knowles’ Sasha Fierce. Most recently, Ciara’s video for “Love Sex Magic” is deemed a copycat of Beyoncé’s “Diva” music video.

While undeniable similarities do exist between the two, the question is, why does it really matter? How often was Britney Spears slammed for her style and music—which, in many cases, resembled Madonna’s? Suddenly not often enough when compared to the backlash that Ciara is currently receiving. 

And if imitation really is the highest form of flattery, Beyoncé fans should feel damn honoured that someone with Ciara’s talent, strength and passion for music is inspired by her work.

Overall, Ciara embodies the best features of some of R&B’s most talented singers. While she lacks a powerful singing voice, with her Beyoncé-like physical assets, Rihanna’s wardrobe style, Janet Jackson’s killer dance moves and Aaliyah’s natural ability to make people fall in love with her work, Ciara is only beginning to find her place and explore her music capabilities.

 

 

 






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