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 brand new sound emerged, plus it had been a face we’dn’t seen before. Nevertheless, she had Hakeem in love, had us a lot more than had and intrigued Twitter blowing up. That voice/face possesses name, 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 very good news is beautiful solamente of hers we heard (“Lago Azul,” a Spanish cover of Linda Rondstadt’s “Blue Bayou”) won’t function as final. There is much more Jamila where that originated in — she is in 9 out from the 18 episodes in period 2.
We called up the budding singer/actress, who’s originally from Bronx, nyc, it is in Chicago at this time shooting the show. She provided us the scoop on things Empire, her musical impacts, and exactly exactly what she’s got cooking when you look at the months ahead both regarding the music and television front.
If you would like a unique taste on her noise other than her Empire music, check always away her heartfelt pop/rock ballad “Nothing as you,” which she published by by herself and reminds us of a new Shakira straight straight back when you look at the time. There’s a version that is bilingual of, too, therefore the opportunities for crossover stardom are endless.
And you know what, A&Rs? She’s still unsigned! Though probably maybe not for very long…
just How do you secure the Empire role?
I’ve been acting and singing since I have had been 15 since I was a little girl and I started auditioning. After about 2 yrs of auditioning occurs when we booked my very very first part on legislation & Order: SVU, I quickly got a part that is recurring this show called Twisted on ABC Family. After which, literally per week I got a little guest part on Orange is the New Black (the upcoming fourth season) before I auditioned for Empire,. I became therefore pleased whenever i acquired the phone call about Empire because my children and I also are such big fans associated with the show. I became really wondering, why aren’t there any Latinas on the website? And lo and behold, they composed component for the Latina.
Therefore awesome! Exactly what can you inform us regarding the 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, when compared with everyone Hakeem that is else is to dealing with. She’s a lady whom actually demands their respect and works hard; she’s maybe maybe maybe not the nature to rest her option to the most effective. I believe doing is considered the most part that is exciting of from the show, because before this, We wasn’t really venturing out here and doing any gigs. I became actually stressed because I knew they might make me sing and dancing but In addition felt like it’d be amazing training to obtain better at being truly a performer and commanding the phase. It certainly presented my confidence.
That needs to be this kind of fun set. Can you connect to Cookie Taraji P. Henson at all?
It really is! She’s simply great, constantly improvising. We think that’s one of the better elements of the show could be the freedom for the cast to generate their things that are own. It creates it extra enjoyable to view and she’s undoubtedly the only whom brings that the absolute most to create.
Talking about the Cookie Monster, does she accept with this love with Hakeem?
Well, you’ll see…laughs
Who’s your character that is favorite on show?
I just love Porsha (Ta’Rhonda Jones), whom plays Cookie’s associate. It is her very very first job that is acting she’s simply therefore charismatic. She’s always bringing the comedy.
We heard “Lago Azul,” that is stunning. Is the fact that indicative of Laura’s noise in the show?
There’s likely to be more songs that are official the show plus some features with Hakeem . It is gonna be dope. Most of the tracks have been in English, for the reason that metropolitan pop music sound. I experienced actually never ever heard about “Blue Bayou” before this, but my loved ones did. I was given by them the history and revealed me personally the singers that sang it before me personally. I liked it; I was thinking it absolutely was the perfect introduction for my character.
Please elaborate!
Well, within the scene you can see that this will be her very first performance, the track starts suprisingly low and peaceful also 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 enjoyed Cher; she’s a symbol, has been around amazing films and she’s had lots of hits, too. Fiona Apple is one of my favorites. We have a range that is wide We get from Led Zeppelin and Alice in Chains to Future and Drake. With regards to Latin music, i usually liked Amanda Miguel. That’s whom my moms and dads revealed me personally once I began singing Spanish ballads. I prefer Laura Pausini not to mention Shakira, because she’s simply amazing.
Whenever do you find out you’d that big vocals?
I usually enjoyed to sing nevertheless when I happened to be around 10 my parents had been like, “There’s one thing here, she can actually do that.” We took lessons that are vocal I happened to be about 14 or 
15. We haven’t done coaching that is vocal because I’m busy aided by the show, however it’s positively one thing i wish to make contact with it because i want it.
So what’s waiting for you for you personally beyond the show?
I’ve 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. For me personally, both acting and singing just mesh. I enjoy telling tales so that they both make me just because happy.