Sometimes one name is all you need – just ask Madonna. Or, for that matter, Monica, the teen singing sensation who burned up the Billboard R&B Singles chart with two consecutive No. 1 hits – when she was just 14. The now-19-year-old College Park, Ga., native has always wanted to sing. At 12, she was a soloist in her church choir. And it wasn’t long after that a talent scout “discovered” her at an Atlanta talent show and brought her to the attention of Arista Records honcho Clive Davis. That led to a recording contract and a platinum-plus album, “Miss Thang,” which featured Monica’s hit singles, “Don’t Take It Personally” and “Before You Walk Out of My Life.”
A hard act to top, right? Actually, Monica’s second album, “The Boy Is Mine” – featuring the same-named megahit duet with Brandy – went double-platinum.
Currently on a 50-date world tour, Monica will wind up next month where she began – in Georgia.
– Georgett Roberts
Q: What do you do to relax?
A: Go to the movies. I also enjoy eating out.
Q: What can’t you live without?
A: My mother.
Q: What’s your workout routine?
A: Lifting the fork to eat – and running.
Q: How do you take care of yourself?
A: I pray a lot and try to get enough rest.
Q: What are some of your favorite things?
A: MAC lipsticks, diamonds, tennis shoes and food.
Q: Favorite clothes?
A: DKNY, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger and Polo. But Chanel is my very favorite.
Q: Favorite food?
A: Collard greens and corn bread.
Q: Do you follow a special diet?
A: No!
Q: Describe your personal style.
A: Casual and comfortable.
Q: What gives you substance?
A: I would have to say my Christianity.
Q: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
A: My temper.
Q: What do you wear when relaxing?
A: A Victoria Secrets shorts set.
Q: What do you wear for a big night out?
A: Chanel gowns.
Q: Do you have any special beauty tips?
A: I only use Dove soap on my skin.
Q: What do you use to accessorize?
A: Very little, normally just my jewelry.
Q: Whose style do you most admire?
A: My mom’s – she’s always classy.
Q: My closet is full of . . .
A: Tennis shoes.
Q. Some would say I have too many . . .
A. Outfits.
Q: Some would say I have too few . . .
A: Friends.
Q: What aspect of your style do your friends tease you about?
A: My style of dance.
Q: What was your most embarrassing fashion moment?
A: When my pants split, but no one knew. I just felt the air on me.
Q: What would you love to have but would never get for yourself?
A: A Bentley. But it’s not practical.
Q: If you had more free time, what would you do with it?
A: Spend it with my family.
Q: What tips have you learned over the years from makeup artists?
A: That less on me is more.
Q: What don’t you ever leave home without?
A: My faith – I keep it with me.
