Cymphonique Miller: The 'How to Rock' Interview

Born in New Orleans on Aug. 1, 1996, Cymphonique Miller stars as Kacey Simon on the Nickelodeon's new TV series "How to Rock." Prior to landing her own sitcom, Miller made guest appearances on several Nick series, including "Big Time Rush," "True Jackson VP," "Just Jordan" and "The Troop." In addition to her television roles, Miller has also made many national television commercials and public service announcements. And her big screen credits include the feature films "Scarecrow Joe" and "Opposite Day."  
Besides acting, Cymphonique is an accomplished singer who has performed on numerous national school tours and at theme parks all across the country. She also sings the theme song and provides the voices of "Nova" and "Krystal" on the Nickelodeon animated series "Winx."
Daughter of businessman, music mogul and philanthropist Percy Miller and sister of Romeo Miller, Cymphonique has built a diverse R&B, pop and hip hop fan base online, enjoying over 20 million web views and counting. When she is not busy working and upholding her honors student status, the Los Angeles native is committed to her passion for helping others and giving back to her community. 
She has created a book series to empower young girls called Fabulous Girls and has founded a Fabulous Girls charity to help bring support and awareness to kids with cancer. Furthermore, she is the founder and president of Fabulous Girls clothing and spokesperson for BYOU (Be Your Own You). Currently, she is partnering with Urban Born Foundation to build a performing arts school in downtown Los Angeles.  
On top of her career as a singer, writer and actress, Cymphonique enjoys competitive kickboxing, swimming, drawing, and playing the piano. Here, she talks about "How to Rock," which premieres on Nickelodeon on Saturday, Feb. 4, with back-to-back episodes airing at 8:30 and 9 p.m. (ET/PT).

Kam Williams: Hi, Cymphonique, thanks for the interview.
Cymphonique Miller: My pleasure, Kam.
KW: What interested you in "How to Rock?"
CM: I loved the message and the music.
KW: Tell me a little about your character, Kacey Simon?
CM: Kacey was the most popular girl in school, but then got braces AND glasses and her friends disowned her. She learned that through just being yourself that's where your true friends come from.
KW: How would you describe the transformation she undergoes?
CM: As transforming and as a great example for others because she learns that you can change and make yourself better when you do what's right.
KW: Is it hard having to play a girl who loses her popularity?
CM: Not really.
KW: What messages do you think people will take away from the show?
CM: That it's okay not to be perfect, to follow your dreams and to be yourself. 
KW: You are multi-talented: singing, acting and dancing. Which one is your favorite?
CM: I really can't choose between the three… I love them all equally.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?   
CM: Can't think of one right now. [LOL]
KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
CM: No. My family has taught me to trust in God and stay grounded.  Although, I am afraid of spiders!
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
CM: Yes!
KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? 
CM: A minute ago, while watching "Superstar," although I recently saw "Bridesmaids" which made me laugh, too. 
KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?
CM: Frozen yogurt with Oreos, and mochi with strawberries and mangos. Yummy!
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
CM: The Hunger Games.
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to? 
CM: Domino, By Jessie J.
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
CM: Breakfast is my favorite meal. I love waffles and French toast. 
KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you?
CM: Reading scripts excites me. I get to act them out. The ones I'm reading now for the show are really cool
KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
CM: I don't really have one. I just like what's cute. I'm creating my own line called BYOU.
KW: Dante Lee, author of "Black Business Secrets," asks: What was the best business decision you ever made?
CM: Attending an audition alone without anyone knowing my family connection to my father or brother and getting the job on my own merits. It meant everything to me that it was based on my own talent and ability. 
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
CM: A girl that loves God, family and entertaining. 
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
CM: To cure world hunger.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
CM: Watching Shirley Temple movies with my grandmother. That inspired me because I realized she was only a child but already acting with the adults at a very early age. 
KW: The Pastor Alex Kendrick question: When do you feel the most content?
CM: When I'm performing.
KW: The Toure question: Who is the person who led you to become the person you are today?
CM: My family.
KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?  
CM: That they had to learn how to deal with rejection. 
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
CM: Be yourself.  Be the best you. 
KW: Thanks again for the time, Cymphonique, and best of luck with the show.
CM: Thanks!

 See a trailer for 'How to Rock'