LOS ANGELES--Every time Naturi Naughton, 25, sings the words to “Fame,” chills run through her body. “You ain’t seen the best of me, yet,” said the petite singer and actress, recalling the words of the famous lyrics. “Wow. I think I have goose bumps.”
Miss Naughton, who had a bad breakup with the platinum-selling pop group 3LW in 2002, is back in the spotlight and has a starring role as Denise Dupree in the updated musical, “Fame,” in theaters now.
She starts work on two more films, a comedy with Ice Cube and a project with Danny Glover.
Miss Naughton talks about being ready to re-launch a singing career.
Q: In 2002, your split from 3LW was very public, then you stepped away from the spotlight, and now you're back. What does this feel like?
A: There were storms, and I thought I was never going to come out of that. I’m not angry, bitter, and I’m not even like, “I told you so!”
I co
uld be like that. But I grew up very differently, and I try to stick to my roots. Honestly, God was in control of my destiny. It feels like it’s all coming to pass.Q: Who was always in your corner during some of those stormy moments?
A: Mainly my parents first. They believed in me, even when I didn’t know. And a really good friend of mine, when I was in college at Seton Hall.
He pretty much pushed me to not give up on my dream in the business.
After the group, I was going to be a lawyer and change the world. And my classmates would be like, “But you’re the girl from 3LW! What are you doing?!”
They were pushing me and telling me I was too talented to w
alk away from it.Q: Has this role made you want to return to singing?
A: This movie has re-ignited that desire.
I’ve always wanted to. But you know you go through some things, and I was stepping away from it and I was feeling like I wanted to focus on something else.
But this movie and doing the soundtrack, it just gives me chills.
Debbie Allen (who is in the current film and also appears in the 1980 original version of “Fame”) told me, “Girl, you had me about to cry!” I’m still a little bit leery of it, but I’m more open to the idea of pursuing a career in music.
Why not? I’m excited to see what’s to come.
Q: You have said several times that the theme song is so important to you. Why is that?
A: “Fame” is fun, it’s a great upbeat song. It’s the jam. I know those words like the back of my hand. It is my story. “Fame” is more than just a song for me.
Look at me. Look at where I am.
Some people thought they’d seen the best of me or that they’d never see me again. Nobody wants to be a one-hit wonder. I want to have that lasting effect, that real fame where people can say “She made her mark.”
I want people to remember me.
