It seems like lately all I hear is Zendaya!
After getting the role of Aaliyah in the upcoming Lifetime biopic, Zendaya is definitely ready to takeover the entertainment world. She’s been named the new face of Madonna’s Material Girl line and has been on the cover of numerous magazines, including Rolling Out’s July issue and let’s not forget she’s only 17 years old. The singer/actress opens up to Rolling Out about fashion, her career and Aaliyah.
On her idol Aaliyah: “I’m inspired by a lot of Aaliyah’s music and her sound and her look. Her voice was soft and she had a wide range of fans because of her look and sound. I definitely look up to her.”
On when she realized she wanted to be in the entertainment business: My mom worked at the California Shakespeare Theater when I was very young. I grew up around theater. I was that weird 8-year-old that was into Shakespeare and wanted to sit and watch rehearsals for hours. I was very intrigued by acting and everything that world had to offer. I think that’s when I first realized I had a passion for theater.”
On her music: “People already think about me based on my Disney background and they already assume certain things about me,” she says. “I wanted to give the dopest and coolest music you’ve ever heard that is family friendly, and you’re going to like it. I did that and I’m very proud of it. I found a way to make music that I like and that I would enjoy that is family appropriate. I wanted to create music that was edgy and mixed with R&B and pop. I wanted to create a sound of my own that people would enjoy without it being vulgar. I think some of the best artists in the world, like Michael Jackson, don’t have to curse or do something crazy just so they can get people to enjoy their songs.”
On her fashion: “There are tons of ways to make less expensive things look expensive and I think it’s about finding the right pieces. I like mixing high-end things with inexpensive things. However, money does not make you look expensive, it’s taste.
On where she wants to be in 10 years: “In 10 years, I want to be at a place in my career where I am able to use the power that I have for good,” Zendaya says. “I want to be able to be that Beyoncé figure or Michael Jackson figure that is able to use their art form for good things and influence in good ways. If you have that much power, it’s for a reason. You have it to inspire others, you have it to give messages to people, [and] you have it to connect people [from different cultures]. That’s what I want to do. I want to be that voice for young people.”
For more of Zendaya’s interview, head over to Rolling Out
