Six degrees of Ciara
Over the course of her eight-year career, Ciara has worked with more than her fair share of artists, producers, and collaborators in a variety of ways. The following relates the many surprising faces in Ciara’s life, and how each one has gotten her to where she is now.
- Carrie Underwood: Underwood was one of many of Ciara’s collaborators on the 2008 charity song Just Stand Up!. Other performers included Beyonce, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, and many more.
- Bow Wow: Ciara dated rapper and actor Bow Wow from 2005-2006, during which time they recorded the single “Like You” for Bow Wow’s album Wanted. Bow Wow later recorded a song about their break-up, “Outta My System”, with T-Pain and Johnta Austin.
- Usher: Rapper/producer Lil Jon first picked up Ciara’s demo of “Goodies” because of its similarity to Usher’s smash-hit “Yeah!” Ciara later appeared in the music video for Usher’s 2010 single “Lil Freak” featuring Nicki Minaj. She will also sing on his track “Hot Toddy”, featuring Jay-Z.
- T.I.: Ciara headlined the Screamfest ’07 tour with T.I., also featuring performances by 50 Cent, Tiffany Evans, Lloyd, and more. Ciara featured on Tiffany’s first single, “Promise Ring.” Ironically, Tiffany’s second single, “I’m Grown”, featured Bow Wow.
- Gwen Stefani: Ciara was an opening act for Gwen’s first solo concert tour. Other opening acts at various dates were the Black Eyed Peas, M.I.A., and Ladytron.
- Fantasia Barrino: Ciara wrote the song “Free Yourself” for Fantasia’s 2004 debut even before her own was released. Another of Fantasia’s songs, “Don’t Act Right”, featured rapper/producer Jazze Pha, who would produce Ciara’s early demos and first album.