BlackVoices.com spoke to the self-proclaimed "church girl" who talked about the popularity of 'Glee,' which artists she'd love to guest star on the show and her own upcoming music endeavors.
'Glee' has become a pop culture phenomenon. What's the most overwhelming part of it?
Probably the attention you get in general is overwhelming. There are so many different emotions you feel when you find this type of success -- disbelief, excitement, fear and anxiety. Mainly, I am overjoyed with living my dream.
'Glee' offers the best of both worlds: music and acting. Which one is your first love?
Music was my first love because it was the first gift that I realized I had, but acting and singing go hand and hand. When I'm on stage, I become whatever character I need to be to relay the message in the song I'm singing.
If you could pick three of your favorite singers to theme 'Glee' episodes after, which artists would you choose and why?
Chaka Khan, because she is one of my vocal idols. Beyoncé, because she has so much music it would be like a musical smorgasbord -- so many different genres of songs. Sara Vaughan, because we've never really done a blues and jazz tribute, and she's one of my favorite voices to listen to.
You've become a fashion icon in a short time -- even being named Best Dressed at the SAG Awards by Joan Rivers' 'Fashion Police.' As a full-figured woman, how does that make you feel?
It makes me feel amazing. I'm a plus-sized girl, but I know how to dress myself and I know what looks good on me. With the character I play, I feel there is a lot of responsibility and I'm okay with being a role model. I think that recognition made a lot of girls feel like they can be beautiful and confident no matter what size or color they are.
'Glee' is opening up a lot of doors for you. What types of projects would you like to work on outside of the show?
I am currently working toward doing an album. I am really excited and nervous, but this is my dream and I've waited to go for it my whole life. I just pray the world loves it.
Related Articles
- Amber Riley Tears it Up in March Issue of Essence
- Get Amber Riley's Look for Less
- Amber, Naya, And Rosario Go Glam For The 2011 SAG Awards





Comments: (19)
Add a comment
By: orville on 3/29/2011 7:40PM
What else is new for African/American women. Majority of them are overweight anyway. They dont care what they ate.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Matt on 3/29/2011 8:20PM
So, and why should you care, are you married to a Black Woman? If not, don't comment and I'm pretty sure If you're Black you probably have a relative that's large.
Report This
By: Maya on 3/30/2011 8:08AM
Really ?? generalist statement there huh ???
Report This
By: cheesh on 8/20/2011 5:34PM
@orville
As a black woman who just recently lost some weight,your comments are pretty ignorant--I do watch what I eat, that how come I lost the weight in the first place. I didn't just watch what I ate, I merely cut down on ti and tried sticking to healthy things to eat. And ALL black women are not overweight--how the ehll would YOU know? . A woman is NOT fat just because she's not thin enough to fit into a stick----honestly, it's nice to see a sister that dosen't fit the unrealistic 120-pound-sopping-wet mold that Hollywood forces all actresses into. It kills me how people like you can just spit out any BS and nonsense about black women and proclaim it as truth, when it's just BS,plain & simple.
Report This
By: cheap bags garden on 3/31/2011 11:42AM
It is so luck to see the article today, great article, great author. I learn something new on different post everyday. It is always refreshing to read posts of other forums and learn something from them. Thanks for sharing.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: pugz on 4/02/2011 3:28AM
NEWS FLASH FOR BLACK WOMEN!!!! changing pitch 90,000 times during a song doesn't mean you can sing!!!!!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: cheesh on 4/04/2011 4:51PM
@ pugz
Are you a professional voice teacher? Can you sing? If not, who a gives a damn what the hell you think? And what the hell is wrong with changing pitches, and why pick on black women singers in general? It sure as hell dosen't mean you CAN'T sing, so be quiet!
Report This
By: marriea on 3/30/2011 7:43AM
Speaking of plus-sized women, Ive noticed that in America Idol auditions many of what I consider to be excellent singers aren't picked. In this season there was a girl who had booming vocals, but yet they went with pretty faces especially in the female dept. Jennifer Hudson used to have to take the jabs from Simon about her weight. I don't see or hear that much about overweight men. The one other 'reality show' I watch is Dancing With The Stars and I notice that Len rarely give the less that trim as a razor their props. Last season's runner up also was constantly never recieved his props from Len, I guess because he was kind of chubby and short, but the guy has moves, like Kristie Allen this year. Yet it seems that regardless of how little that tall slender person is, he gives them good scores.
Although I understand it's their show, and what they are trying to promote is youth, there are trying some talented folks that can really blow and cut a rug.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: JENNIFER on 3/30/2011 8:02AM
doesnt matter if your fat! as long as you have inspiration.........................I AM FAT BUT IDC
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Maya on 3/30/2011 8:07AM
She is beautiful .... and the comment if your black somebody may be fat in your family ,..... WHOA nelly america is FAT and as far as I see its not dicriminating on color ..
Reply to this Comment | Report This