Young Expressions Interview

November/December 2005

Emma Roberts, the absolutely fabulous 14-year old star of Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous," is clearly emerging as one of America's brightest teen superstars. YEM wondered how she copes with all the pressures of stardom, her personal creativity, and how she discovered herself as a performing artist. Behind all those stars, she remains just a regular girl, very, very busy, but also a genuinely sincere, pleasant and real person as well. Emma spoke with YEM's Lukas de Saint-Clair and 11-year old YEM youth staff member, Ciara. YEM: It takes a very strong person to be a star. Who has inspired or encouraged you the most as a person to become as successful as you are? Emma: I am inspired by many people, actors, and performers, but, my family and friends inspire me the most. Between shooting episodes of her hit TeenNick television series, "Unfabulous," Emma is quite the busy performing artist working on feature films, television appearances, and musical projects. |

Emma got her start in the performing arts when she was very young. Already a veteran of many films and television appearances such as "Blow," with Johnny Depp, and a YEM favourite, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," she is currently taking on the music business with the recent release of her very first music CD, "Unfabulous and More," published by Columbia Records/Nick Records. The songs on the CD directly relate to her character, "Addie," an interesting young girl who deals with her problems by writing songs on her guitar. The CD is a wonderful compilation of works set to a very contemporary beat and performed by Emma herself. "I co-wrote 'This is Me' on the CD and I am writing more songs now." Emma states. "I don't know if I want to sing all of them. Perhaps I will write songs for other performers to sing as well. There are lots of great singers out there. It is LOTS of fun to hear your own songs, your own voice, on the radio or TV." The CD is a great example of how music and artistic expression can help all of us deal with problems, whether we are listening to the works of others or writing songs ourselves. Besides the CD, Emma is involved in many other projects. She is currently working on a new season of "Unfabulous," and will be staring in many feature films. "Aquamarine" in which Emma co-stars with singer, Jojo, is scheduled for release by 20th Century Fox in April 2006. "Camp Couture," produced by her mother, Kelly Cunningham and "Bras and Broomsticks" are also due for release in 2006. In addition, Emma will be starring in Warner Bros new "Nancy Drew," movie, with filming to begin spring of next year. In the meantime, tune into "Unfabulous" on TeenNick. Check your local TV schedule for exact times. Despite all this work, Emma still has time to just be herself. She LOVES the colour PINK and enjoys going to the beach with her friends. For fun, Emma really enjoys hanging out with her friends. "This year I am going trick-or-treating with my friends for Halloween, but costumes are a problem. We will probably go as Charlies Angel's or something like that." As with most successful creative visual and performing artists, Emma feels creativity plays a very important role in a persons life. "Creativity is very important," Emma states, "especially in acting since you have to actually become the character you play. I think creativity is an important part of everything a person does." Her creativity extends not only to acting and performing, but into other artistic and expressive genres. "I draw and like many forms of art, as well as acting and singing. I also love sports, especially volleyball, swimming and tennis," Emma states. "As an adult, I want to be an actress and perhaps a fashion designer. I like to design fashions." YEM: How did your life change after you landed "Unfabulous"? Emma: I get to travel a lot now and people recognize me more. I also get to sign autographs for my fans. I like having fans, it is fun! YEM: What advice could you give our readers who have dreams of becoming a performing artist? Emma: Keep going! Don't give up! If you love it, do it! Be yourself and be creative! Emma Roberts is definately a name to remember. It is only a matter of time before it will that will land on a golden star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. She is already inspiring a world of fans and taking the performing arts world by storm. YEM congradulates Emma on her new music CD and will closely follow the present and future successes of this very bright star.
| Emma's CD is really a great to listen to! Her phenomenal new CD is published by Columbia Records and is available for purchase in the Kids Corner Genre at Sony Music Store

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