Jamila Velazquez within the “Be true episode that is” ofEmpire” airing Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015 on FOX.
Because it’s oh-so-good — you may have noticed there is lots of Latin star power, most notably from Becky G and Pitbull, both of whom guested on recent episodes if you’ve been watching Empire this season — and you better.
But on last week’s Oct. 14 episode, a voice that is fresh, also it was a face we hadn’t seen before. Nevertheless, she had Hakeem in love, had us a lot more than intrigued and had Twitter blowing up. That voice/face includes a title, plus it’s 19-year-old Jamila Velazquez, an actress/singer of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Ecuadorian descent who’s making her Hollywood dreams become a reality.
The great news is beautiful solamente of hers we heard 
We called within the budding singer/actress, who’s originally from Bronx, nyc, it is in Chicago right now shooting the show. She offered us the information on things Empire, her influences that are musical and just just what she’s got cooking in the months ahead both regarding the music and television front side.
If you like a new taste on her noise other than her Empire music, check always her heartfelt pop/rock ballad out “Nothing as you,” which she had written by herself and reminds us of a new Shakira straight right back into the time. There’s a bilingual form of that, too, so that the opportunities for crossover stardom are endless.
And do you know what, A&Rs? She’s still unsigned! Though probably not for very long…
Just just just How did you secure the Empire role?
I’ve been acting and performing since I have had been only a little woman and I also started auditioning since I have had been 15. After about couple of years of auditioning is whenever we booked my very very very first part on legislation & Order: SVU, I quickly got a part that is recurring this show called Twisted on ABC Family. And then, literally per week before we auditioned for Empire, i obtained just a little visitor component on Orange may be the New Ebony (the future fourth season). I happened to be therefore pleased when i obtained the decision about Empire because my children and I also are such big fans regarding the show. I happened to be really wondering, why aren’t there any Latinas on the website? And lo and behold, they had written component for the Latina.
Therefore awesome! Exactly what do you reveal regarding your character?
Laura Calleros is her title and she’s a Nuyorican through the Bronx. You will have a love fundamentally between her and Hakeem. Personally I think like she’s simply genuinely genuine, in comparison to everyone Hakeem that is else is to using the services of. She’s a woman whom actually demands their respect and works difficult; she’s maybe perhaps perhaps not the sort to fall asleep her option to the most notable. I believe doing is considered the most part that is exciting of in the show, because before this, We wasn’t really heading out here and doing any gigs. I happened to be actually nervous because We knew they’d make me sing and dancing but In addition felt like it’d be amazing practice to obtain better at being fully a performer and commanding the phase. It truly presented my self- self- confidence.
That must definitely be this type of fun set. Do you realy connect to Cookie Taraji P. Henson at all?
It’s! She’s simply great, constantly improvising. We think that is one of the better areas of the show may be the freedom for the cast to create their very own things. It creates it fun that is extra view and she’s positively the main one who brings that the absolute most to create.
Well, you’ll see…laughs
We just love Porsha (Ta’Rhonda Jones), whom plays Cookie’s assistant. This is certainly her very very first job that is acting she’s simply therefore charismatic. She’s always bringing the comedy.
We heard “Lago Azul,” that will be stunning. Is indicative of Laura’s noise from the show?
There’s likely to be more formal tracks from the show plus some features with Hakeem . It is going to be dope. Most of the tracks have been in English, for the reason that pop sound that is urban. I experienced really never ever been aware of “Blue Bayou” before this, but my loved ones did. I was given by them the history and revealed me personally the vocalists that sang it before me personally. We enjoyed it; We thought it had been the introduction that is perfect my character.
Please elaborate!
Well, within the scene you can view that this will be her very first performance, the track starts suprisingly low and peaceful plus it simply develops up after that. There’s so space that is much actually, really sing for the reason that track. It had been perfect she’s doing but then eventually she just lets go because she’s not sure what.
That are your musical impacts?
Growing up, I actually adored Cher; she’s an symbol, has been around amazing films and she’s had a lot of hits, too. Fiona Apple is regarded as my favorites. We have a wide variety; I get from Led Zeppelin and Alice in Chains to Future and Drake. I always loved Amanda Miguel when it comes to Latin music. That’s whom my moms and dads revealed me personally once I began performing Spanish ballads. I love Laura Pausini and undoubtedly Shakira, because she’s simply amazing.
Whenever do you learn you’d that big sound?
I usually adored to sing but once I became around 10 my parents had been like, “There’s something here, she can actually try this.” We took vocal classes until I became about 14 or 15. We haven’t done vocal coaching recently because I’m busy because of the show, however it’s positively one thing i wish to return to it because i want it.
So what’s waiting for you for you beyond the show?
We have a track called “Nothing it’s a classic, alternative, pop/rock break-up song, and that’s kind of where I want to go, but I might also go in a different direction like you” on YouTube. And I’m nevertheless auditioning for acting functions. In my situation, both singing and acting simply mesh. I adore telling stories so that they both make me just because happy.
