| Christina Milian | |
|---|---|
 Christina Milian and Eric West
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christine Flores |
| Born | September 26 1981 Jersey City, New Jersey, United States |
| Genre(s) | R&B, pop, hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, model |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Label(s) | Def Soul, Island |
| Associated acts |
Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled, Fabolous, Ja Rule, Joe Budden, Rick Ross |
| Website | www.christinamilian.org |
Christina Milian (born September 26, 1981 as Christine Marie Flores) is an American R&B and pop singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, model, and former MTV VJ. She has released three studio albums and one compilation album. She has also had four solo top five singles (and also a top ten featuring credit single) in the UK as well as hits in the rest of Europe and North America. As an actress, Milian appeared in the 2003 film Love Don't Cost a Thing opposite Nick Cannon. Milian wrote songs for Jennifer Lopez, Paula DeAnda, and PYT's. She also starred as singer Linda Moon in Be Cool, the sequel to Get Shorty, and appeared in the 2006 horror film Pulse.
Contents |
Early life
Milian was born Christine Flores in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of AfroCuban parents Don and Carmen, and has two younger sisters, Dannielle and Elizabeth.[1] Her family moved to Waldorf, Maryland soon after her birth and she set her heart on an entertainment career at the age of four. Milian did commercials (Wendy's, Honeycomb) and played the lead role in the musical Annie before moving to Los Angeles at 13 to pursue an acting career. Soon after the family's move, her father divorced her mother.
Recording career
2000–2002: Music beginnings
In 2000, Milian made her first official musical appearance on Ja Rule's second studio album Rule 3:36, performing guest vocals on his song "Between Me and You". Released as the album's lead single in 2001, the track managed to peak at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in the top 30 of the UK singles chart, building Milian's reputation as a singer. Milian also appeared in Mýa's video for "Best of Me" playing a friend. In the meantime Milian co-wrote and provided extensive backing vocals for the track "Play" for Jennifer Lopez's 2001 album J. Lo which became another success. Milian would later pass down the song to Lopez because of already having a club song with "AM to PM" as promotion. She also went on to co-write "Same Ol' Same Ol", the first single from girl group PYT's debut album Down With Me. In 2001, Milian eventually released her first solo single, "AM To PM", off her self-titled debut album. The song became a worldwide hit reaching the top 5 in the UK and Denmark, top 10 in the Netherlands, and top 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and in Australia. The success of "AM To PM" sparked the international release of the Christina Milian album which she co-wrote and produced, although not in the United States. The second single "When You Look At Me" was another international hit reaching the top 5 in the UK, Netherlands, and Ireland and making the top 40 in Denmark, Germany, Australia, and France. Although a music video for the album's third single "Get Away" (another collaboration with Ja Rule) was filmed in Paris, the single wasn't released officially. Afterwards Milian also was featured on the track "It's All Gravy", a duet with British Rapper Romeo of the UK garage group So Solid Crew. While the song was another UK top ten hit single in 2002, Milian provided the theme song for the hit Disney series Kim Possible, "Call Me Beep Me" later that year. In 2002, she also collaborated with Hilary Duff on her Christmas album Santa Claus Lane, on the song "I heard Santa On the Radio."
2003–2004: New image and popularity
In 2003, Milian started recording songs with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Bloodshy & Avant and Cory Rooney for her first U.S. release, It's About Time (whose title is a direct reference to how long it had taken for one of her albums to be released domestically). The album was released to positive reviews on July 13, 2004, but failed to receive immense commercial success when it debuted at #21 in the UK and #14 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling over 36,000 copies in the first week only. While It's about Time ended up with lackluster sales of 385,000 copies in the United States, it gained prominence when it received a Grammy nomination for "Best Contemporary R&B Album" in 2005. The album's first single, "Dip It Low" (written by singer Teedra Moses and Black Eyed Peas producer Poli Paul) however, became Milian's biggest hit to date, when it peaked at #1 on a world composite dance chart (compiled on data from the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Australia), simultaneously reaching #2 in the UK, #5 in the U.S., #7 in New Zealand and the top 20 in Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands. The single was also certified Gold by the RIAA for digital sales. The album's second and final single, "Whatever U Want" (featuring Joe Budden) failed to reprise the success of the lead single, but again reached the top 10 in the UK as well as charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
2006–present: Career development
Milian's third studio album So Amazin' was released on May 16, 2006. Milian worked with Cool & Dre on the majority of the production of the album, and the project was finished with additional help from Rich Harrison and executive producers Jay-Z and LA Reid. Christina mentions working with Cool & Dre for the entire album "made a more consistent, very real and personal album".[2] compared to her other works. The record's first single "Say I" featured rapper Young Jeezy and was released in March 2006 as a single and video. The song made it to number 1 on iTunes UK Music Store and was number 1 on AOL music, but altogether saw moderate success only with peak positions on #21 in the United States, #4 in the UK and #45 in Australia. While So Amazin failed to reach the top 10 when it debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the album saw minor international success only, peaking at #67 in the UK inter alia. With "Gonna Tell Everybody" a second single from the album was chosen, but Island Def Jam neither agreed to film a music video nor booked promotional appearances for Milian to promote the song. In June 2006, instead, Milian's representative confirmed that she had left the Island Def Jam record label due to "creative differences" - though disappointing album sales were believed to be the main factor, since the album sold less than 500,000 worldwide (over 100,000 in United States).[3] Due to the low sales of So Amazin, Milian released her first compilation album, titled The Best of Christina Milian on November 22.[4] The album was released under the Universal International label. The album includes her hit singles and songs that she hand picked herself from her first three studio albums, Christina Milian, It's About Time, and So Amazin', though, only one track, Say I, was chosen from So Amazin', possibly due to the fact that it is her lowest selling album. The album was only released in Japan and some other Asian countries on November 22, 2006; and was not released in the U.S. or Europe. The album was peaking at #29 on the Japanese ORICON Albums Chart, and it has sold 38,078 copies to date. In September 2006, Milian won the Ozone Award for Best Female R'n'B by Ozone Magazine. Currently, Milian is working hard to release her 4th studio (3rd in North America) album in 2008, as stated in her MySpace blog. Milian has confirmed J. R. Rotem, Lisa Maffia, Nate (Danja) Hills, The Matrix, The Runners, Lil Jon, Cool & Dre, and Ryan Tedder will be featured producers, and Rick Ross and Frankie J will be featured guest stars. So far there is no confirmed title or release date for the album, but she has stated on her MySpace blog that the album will have similar sound to her last album, So Amazin'. One of the tracks, the Benjamin Franklin produced ballad "That One" has been leaked on YouTube. In her December 17, 2007 blog, Milian talked about a new track called "Gotta Get To You". She said that she feels it could be a "big international hit."[5]
Acting career
Milian's first significant role was as a reporter on the Disney Channel's Movie Surfers show in 1998 billed as Tina Flores. While in this role, she also appeared in minor roles in the movies A Bug's Life and American Pie and in guest appearances on the television series Sister, Sister, Smart Guy, Clueless, Get Real, Charmed, The Amanda Show, and The Steve Harvey Show.[6] In 2002, Milian was appointed to host of the television show Wannabes on MTV. She met director Joseph Kahn on an episode of Wannabes who suggested she audition for a lead role in the film Torque opposite Ice Cube. Her audition was successful, but even though she was only given a minor role, her acting lead her to a lead role in Love Don't Cost a Thing in 2003. In 2005, she had roles in the films Man of the House opposite Tommy Lee Jones and Be Cool with John Travolta and Uma Thurman. In 2006, she played a main role in the horror film Pulse, released in August of 2006, starring alongside Veronica Mars actress Kristen Bell. She made an appearance in the music video for Jessica Simpson's single "A Public Affair," alongside Christina Applegate, Eva Longoria, Maria Menounos, Ryan Seacrest and Andy Dick; and was also named #10 in Maxim's Hot 100.[7] On October 25, 2007, Milian guest starred on the CW's hit TV series Smallville.[8] On December 15 she starred in the Christmas movie for ABC Family entitled Snowglobe,[9] playing the main character, alongside Lorraine Bracco. The Nielsens ratings for Dec. 10 — 16 showed that "Snowglobe" was the sixth top rated show for the week on cable, with 4.4 million viewers.[10] She will be the leading character in The CW's new show "Eight Days A Week" as Olivia, alongside Mario Lopez.[11][12] In an interview with MTV on Oct 15 2007, Milian said she would be interested in playing Wonder Woman in the upcoming Justice League of America movie adaptation. She urges him (George Miller) to look beyond her ethnicity and consider her for the part of the Amazonian princess. "That would be awesome," Milian said. "I think confidence and strength lie in your mind, and I would love to exude that strength." Though Milian has some very tough competition, including Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Teresa Palmer, she says she isn't daunted, because she feels like the comic books are closer to her heart.[13] It was later reported that Mary Elizabeth Winstead was given the role.
Writing career
On December 8, 2006, E! News reported that Milian has started to write books.[14] She is currently writing two books, both targeted for teenage girls. She has stated that she wants to show her female fans the healthy way on how to be happy. There has been no release date set for either book as of yet.
Personal life
After being together for nearly two and a half years, in the summer of 2005, Milian broke up with actor Nick Cannon. In an interview with Angie Martinez, she spoke about how she found out about Cannon cheating on her. According to Milian, while she was away filming Pulse in Romania, she attempted to log in to his T-Mobile account by entering in random passwords. After succeeding with one of the passwords, she was able to read all of the messages he sent out and received to and from other women whom he had relationships (romantically) with. When she returned to the states, she decided to play dumb, pretending she was completely oblivious to his cheating, before bashing him with the news that she knew he was cheating.[15] Various media outlets reported that Milian was dating Eric West. Both deny they were dating, and Milian posted on her myspace that she "[has] no idea who Eric West is"[16] although she had co-hosted an event for Elton John's AIDS foundation in August 2005, and been photographed with West at the last New York Fashion Week. Months after her interview with the New York Daily News, AOL News reported West and Milian were spotted together once again at a New York Hotel, saying Singer-actress Christina Milian spotted looking nervous as she left the Hotel Gansevoort in New York's Soho district as she ran into actor Eric West. The two made headlines when Milian posted a MySpace blog saying she "[have] no idea who Eric West is" despite having co-hosted an event for Elton John's AIDS foundation in August 2005, and being photographed with West at the last New York Fashion Week. My mole said she kept apologizing to West during the chance encounter...[17] She is currently dating Dre from producing group Cool and Dre. In an interview, Dre said "Yeah, that's definitely wifey right there," he said. "A real man isn't ashamed to claim what's his. I could never disrespect by not claiming my girl. No matter how 'G' you wanna keep it on the industry tip, you don't want to do that to somebody especially if it's genuine. We've been together for a little bit now."[18] On December 12, 2007, Milian was interviewed by Rachael Ray on The Rachael Ray Show. They talked about Milian's new film, "Snowglobe," and her plans for the holidays. Milian said she'll be giving back to those in need by working with the charity Children Uniting Nations to help other girls. "It's being a big sister to foster children," she explains. "I just went through a whole training program and mentoring program and I'm going to get put together with my child really soon. I can't wait."[19]
Discography
Albums
- 2001: Christina Milian
- 2004: It's About Time
- 2006: So Amazin'
- 2006: Best Of
- 2008: TBA
Singles
- 2001: "Between Me & U" (Ja Rule featuring Christina Milian)
- 2001: "AM To PM"
- 2001: "When You Look At Me"
- 2002: "Get Away" (featuring Ja Rule)
- 2004: "Dip It Low" (featuring Fabolous) (Gold)
- 2004: "Whatever U Want" (featuring Joe Budden)
- 2006: "Say I" (featuring Young Jeezy)
- 2006: "Gonna Tell Everybody" (Radio Only)
- 2008: "Blissville"(featuring Rick Ross)
Filmography
Films
- 1997: A Bug's Life (Voice)
- 1999: Durango Kids (Ellie)
- 1999: American Pie (Band Geek)
- 1999: The Wood (Girl at dance)
- 2003: Love Don't Cost a Thing (Paris Morgan)
- 2004: Torque (Nina)
- 2005: Man of the House (Anne)
- 2005: Be Cool (Linda Moon)
- 2006: Pulse (Isabell Fuentes)
- 2007: Snowglobe (Angela Moreno)
TV series
- 1998-2000: Movie Surfers (Tina Flores)
- 1996: Sister, Sister
- 1997: Smart Guy
- 1999: Clueless
- 1999: Get Real
- 1999: Charmed
- 1999: The Steve Harvey Show
- 1999: The Amanda Show
- 2004: Cribs
- 2007: Smallville
- 2008: Eight Days a Week
Host work
- 2003: MTV's Wannabes
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Breakout Movie Star - Female |
| 2004 | Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Movie Chemistry (shared with Nick Cannon) |
| 2004 | Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Movie Liplock (shared with Nick Cannon) |
| 2005 | Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Crossover Artist |
| 2005 | BET Comedy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Theatrical Film (for Be Cool) |
| 2005 | Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album (for It's About Time) |
| 2005 | Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Dip It Low" (shared with Fabolous) |
| 2005 | The Reign Award Elton John Award for Outstanding Achievement (shared with Mariah Carey and Eric West) [1] |
| 2005 | Groovevolt Music and Fashion Award nomination for Best Song Performance - Female for "Dip It Low" |
| 2005 | International Dance Music Award nomination for Best R&B/Urban Dance Track for "Dip It Low" |
| 2006 | Ozone Award Won for Best R&B Female |
References
- ^ Christina Milian Biography. ChristinaMilian.org - The Official Site of Christina Milian. Milian Corporation. Retrieved on 14 December 2007.
- ^ http://www.mp3.com/features/stories/4636.html
- ^ http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2006/06/island_def_jam_drops_christina_milian/
- ^ http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail.asp?sku=1231071
- ^ http://www.christinasworld.net/index.php
- ^ http://www.filmreference.com/film/70/Christina-Milian.html
- ^ http://www.maximonline.com/slideshows/index.aspx?imgCollectId=94&slideId=1915&src=wiki
- ^ "Action". Caroline Dries (writer) & Mairzee Almas (director). Smallville. The CW. 2007-10-25. No. 5, season 7. 42 minutes in.
- ^ http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-christinamilianabcfamilysnowglobe,0,6236897.story
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/nielsens-charts.htm
- ^ http://www.movieweb.com/tv/news/47/18947.php
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0976031/
- ^ http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1571919/story.jhtml
- ^ http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/blog/index.jsp?uuid=7369882f-d862-449a-9b61-b34a6c865ed4
- ^ http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/400407p-339234c.html
- ^ http://img9.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc199&image=66957_Christina_Milian_MySpaces_about_Eric_West.jpg
- ^ aol.com. AOL Black Voices Columnist. Retrieved on 30 September, 2006.
- ^ http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/9163
- ^ http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/christina-milian/
External links
- Official website
- Christina Milian at All Music Guide
- Christina Milian at the Internet Movie Database
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| Albums | Christina Milian · It's About Time · So Amazin' · Best Of · So Amazin' Part II |
| Singles | "AM to PM" · "When You Look at Me" · "Get Away" · "Dip It Low" · "Whatever U Want" · "Say I" · "Gonna Tell Everybody" |
| Other singles | "Between Me and You" · "It's All Gravy" |
| Related articles | Discography |
