The singing, acting, dancing triple threat that is Christina Milian is back on our screens in the latest instalment of comedy cheerleading flick Bring It On: Fight To The Finish.
DOLLY caught up with Miss Milian to find out what the real Christina’s all about.
Did you do cheerleading at school?
I was never a cheerleader but had a lot of dance experience from my music videos. That experience definitely helped me learn the choreography in this film.
Is cheerleading really that big in America?
Cheerleading is huge in America and considered a competitive sport.
Did you struggle keeping a straight face in some of the scenes, especially with the "cheer" language?
I loved the script for this film – knowing what an incredible legacy this film has and the rabid following it has among its fans, i was so excited to be a part of it.
What’s on your workout playlist?
I work out to a lot of Kanye West, Jay Z and music by The Dream (PS: The Dream is Christina's husband! They got married in September this year. Way to plug the man!)
What’s your guaranteed pick-me-up trick if you’re every feeling down?
I think music often inspires my mood. If i’m wanting to get energised i’ll listen to a great dance song, and if i’m wanting to slow down and relax, i’ll listen to a great ballad.
Have you ever struggled with your ethnicity in Hollywood?
I am so proud of being Cuban American. That’s one of the reasons why i was so excited to work on this movie because it really allowed me to celebrate the Latina in me in a postive role model way.
What sort of guys do you tend to go for?
I like men who have strong beliefs and passion for what they do in life. And a great sense of humor.
Are you a romantic at heart?
I’d like to think so.
What is your most treasured possession?
My engagement ring! My husband put a lot of thought into it especially cause i will be wearing it the rest of my life!
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Shoes! i can't get through any store without stopping in the shoe section. Louboutins or something from Louis Vuitton.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to a lot of Kanye West, Keri Hilson and The Dream.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve been in the studio recording a lot of new music which i’m very excited about. Expect to hear more news about my music in the next few months!
How do you manage your time? You seem to have a lot on the go!
I love being an actress and i love being a singer/songwriter. So for me, being busy means that i’m doing what i love.
Bring It On: Fight To Yhe Finish was an action-packed movie – how did you prepare?
We had a rigorous two week cheer/dance bootcamp lead by our choreographer Tony G and director Bille Woodruff. It was incredibly tough but also very fun at the same time. The entire cast bonded as we learned the intense choreography for the movie.
You look really fit in the movie – what’s your weekly exercise regimen?
I try to eat right, stay active and get a lot of sleep!
How did you go with the stunts?
It was funny because every time a difficult stunt was presented to the actresses in the movie, they’d come to me and say "Well if you don’t do it, we won’t have to..." of course they were half kidding...but by the time we’d all practiced the stunt we were all so proud of ourselves we were more than happy to perform them over and over again.
How did you relate to lina?
Lina was a great character to play because to me she represented someone who knew who she was, was proud of her background and was a leader to her squad. I appreciated her strength and the belief she had in herself.
Are you normally feisty like she is?
Ha! At times.
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve felt so out of place like Lina did when she moved to Malibu?
When i first started singing and acting, it was sometimes hard for the people i went to school with to understand what i was going through and that was tough at times. But i wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned so much growing up in this industry.
What was your high school experience like?
I didn't like school too much. Nobody understood me. I got in a lot of fights and was suspended several times. Usually it was due to some made up story. However i was a good student...when i wasn't talking or writing notes back in forth with my two out of the ordinary friends!
What do you have planned for the future?
If i could spend the rest of my life doing what i love – singing and acting – i’d be a very happy and grateful person!
