Since her breakout role in the movie, “Akeelah and the Bee” KEKE PALMER, has been full speed ahead in career which not only includes acting but singing. The 17 year old is in the midst of her third season of her hit Nickelodeon series, “True Jackson,VP”, in addition to working on a new album, and having two films in production. While attending Howard University’s Homecoming and speaking at “HOWARDwood”, a panel bridging the gap between Howard students, Howard Alums and the entertainment industry, Keke speaks to AimerAmour about the possibility of taking time off from her career to go to college.
AimerAmour: Why was it important for you to participate in the HOWARDwood panel?
KeKe Palmer: There are a lot of youth that are interested in being in the entertainment industry. As their peer, I thought it would be good for me to share my experiences with them from a standpoint that they can identify with. Also, it’s great to have an opportunity to visit Howard, I would love to go to school here.
AA: As a singer, actress and entrepreneur, how do you find balance?
KP: I don’t think about. I just do it and make sure that I’m making it fun. I love acting and I love singing so I make time for both.
AA: What’s next for you?
KP: I’m filming “Joyful Noise” a movie with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton and then I’ll be working on a film with Nick Cannon.
AA: How’s your album coming along?
KP: Great! I’m working with Interscope for my new album. People say that I remind them of Brandy so I’m definitely trying to be the voice for young girls because we don’t have anyone like Aaliyah, TLC or Brandy for our age range. I want to be a positive role model for that demographic of R&B music. I want to be the voice for girls like me.
AA: Do you want to take a break from your career and go to college?
KP: I would love to take a break and go to college but I would need the flexibility to be able to take time off for something I’m working on.
AA: What would you major in?
KP: Probably Pre-Med because I want to be an Anesthesiologist.
AA: Do you think there have been any downsides to being a child actress?
KP: Of course. You miss out on some normal kid things but at the same time you experience things that a lot of people wish they had the opportunity to do. So it’s definitely a Catch 22. Everything has pros and cons; nothing is great all the time. If you’re in school you’re thinking, ‘I rather be working and doing what I want to do’ and sometimes when I’m working I wish I was in school and hanging out with friends and doing normal things but at the same time, this is a chance in a lifetime.
AA: Advice for aspiring actors?
KP: Work hard and make sure that acting is something that you are really passionate about because there are a lot of challenges that happen behind the scenes that people don’t see. But at the end of the day, if you really love it and are willing to work hard at it, you’ll be successful.
AA: Quote/Motto you live by?
KP: Never give up! Don’t be afraid to take chances. Go for things even if you think it may not be yours, it’s about the process of learning and growing from the experience.
Watch KeKe Palmer’s latest music video, “The One You Call” from her forthcoming Sophomore album.