The following year, Ciara signed a modeling contract with IMG,[3] became a Global Brand Ambassador for the cosmetics company Revlon,[4] and married quarterback Russell Wilson.[5] Her seventh album and first independent release, Beauty Marks (2019), entered the Billboard 200 and spawned the platinum single "Level Up". She signed with Uptown Records for the release of her first extended play, CiCi (2023).[6]
In her mid-teens, Ciara formed the all-girl group Hearsay with two of her friends.[who?] The group recorded demos, but as time went on, they began to have differences and eventually parted ways.[14] Despite this setback, Ciara signed a publishing deal as a songwriter.
Her first writing credit was on Blu Cantrell's debut album, So Blu, for the song "10,000 Times". She also wrote the song "Got Me Waiting" for R&B singer Fantasia Barrino's debut album, Free Yourself.[14] It was when she was writing songs that she met music producer Jazze Pha, whom she called her "music soulmate". In 2002, the two recorded four demos: "1, 2 Step", "Thug Style", "Pick Up the Phone", and "Lookin' at You", which all appeared on her debut album that was released two years later. "1, 2 Step" was the second single released from the album and it was a hit.[14]
Career
2003–2005: Goodies
After graduating from Riverdale High School in Riverdale, Georgia, in 2003, she was signed by LaFace Recordsexecutive, L.A. Reid, whom she was introduced to by Jazze Pha.[17] She began production on her debut album later that year. In early 2004, she wrote a demo with record producer, Sean Garrett, which came to the attention of Lil Jon and became her debut single "Goodies". Lil Jon stated later that he knew it would be big seeing how it sounded similar to Usher's international hit, "Yeah!".[14]
Goodies'lead single, the title track, featuring Petey Pablo, was released on June 8, 2004. Conceived as a crunk female counterpart to Usher's "Yeah!", the lyrical content goes against the grain, speaking of abstinence, rejecting advances because "the goodies will stay in the jar." Critics hailed it as an "anthem of the summer" and one of the best singles of the year, complimenting its dance-feel and beat, and the irony of the "clever" lyrics. The single performed well worldwide, topping the charts in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and charting in the top 10 of other charts, receiving Platinum certification in the United States.[23][24] "1, 2 Step" featuring Missy Elliott was released as the album's second single.[25] The song peaked in the top 10 of many countries, topping the charts in Canada, and went on to become Platinum or Gold in many countries.[23][24] "Oh" featuring Ludacris was released as the third single on March 5, 2005. The song performed well worldwide, appearing in the top 10 of seven charts, and certified either Platinum or Gold in multiple regions.[23][24]
On December 5, 2006, Ciara released her second studio album, Ciara: The Evolution. According to the singer, the title of the album is "about so much more than just my personal growth – it's about the evolution of music, the evolution of dance, the evolution of fashion."[27] The source of the album's creativity such as the sound and edge comes from Ciara in general.[28]Ciara: The Evolution became Ciara's first and only number one album on the U.S. Billboard 200, and her second number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts with sales of 338,000 in the first week. The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States, and has sold 1.3 million copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.[29]
The album's international lead single, "Get Up", which features Chamillionaire, reached number seven in the United States and gained a platinum accreditation. It reached number five in New Zealand.[30] The song was used for the film Step Up (2006) and featured on the film's soundtrack. The album's US lead single, "Promise", reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her third number one single on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Like a Boy" was released as the second international single which reached within the top 20 in the UK,[31] Finland,[32] France, Ireland, Sweden[33] Switzerland, and also in the United States.[34] The fourth and final single from the album, "Can't Leave 'em Alone", reached number 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.[35] The song became Ciara's fifth single to peak in the top in New Zealand, peaking at number 4.[36] The song achieved moderate success in other international markets.
In support of the album, Ciara went on her first headlining tour in October 2006. The tour went to seventeen different clubs in cities throughout the United States. The tour was met with mixed to positive reviews; critics were divided regarding the pre-recorded backing tracks and remarked that Ciara was slightly under-prepared to host her headlining tour, but ultimately praised her energetic choreography. In August 2007, she headlined the Screamfest '07 tour with fellow rapper, T.I. Critics praised her performance for her gracious dancing and being able to command a sold-out arena.[37] Ciara, along with Chris Brown and Akon, was a support act for Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad Tour in the United Kingdom. She made a guest appearance on "So What" by Field Mob. The single went on to become a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. She also appeared on Tiffany Evans' single "Promise Ring". The song achieved little success on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
In addition to her music, Ciara made her acting debut in the MTV Films production All You've Got in May 2006. In the movie she played Becca Whiley, a teenager who is competing in a volleyball tournament. The movie received mixed to positive reviews; critics said the movie was predictable but still enjoyable.[38]
2008–2011: Fantasy Ride, Basic Instinct and label change
In October 2008, Ciara was honored as Billboard's "Woman of the Year", because of her success as a recording artist and leadership in embracing the changing music business.[39]
Although her third album was originally scheduled for a September 2008 release, Fantasy Ride was released after several delays in May 2009. The album combines her R&B and hip hop sound from her previous albums along with a new pop and dance sound. While talking to MTV News, Ciara said, "I'm having a bit more fun with my lyrics. I'm not afraid. In the beginning, I was conscious and really protective and somewhat scared about doing some things. With this album I'm not holding back, there's freedom. It's just the space I'm in right now."[40] It became Ciara's first top ten album in the UK.
"Go Girl" was the first single released from the album. It was originally the lead single from the album, but the single achieved minimum success and was later deemed a promo single. However, the single managed to reach the top of the charts in Japan. The album's official lead single, "Never Ever", which features Young Jeezy, was released in the United States in January 2009 and reached a peak of number nine on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The second single, "Love Sex Magic", featuring Justin Timberlake, became a worldwide hit, peaking within the top 10 in 20 countries including the U.S., where it peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It went on to be certified platinum in Australia[41] and received a gold accreditation in New Zealand.[42] It received a nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and also for Best Choreography in a Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "Work", the final single, achieved moderate success in international markets.
Ciara at the Maxim Magazine's 10th Annual Hot 100 Celebration in 2009
In July 2009, Ciara headlined the Jay-Z & Ciara Live tour with Jay-Z. Her performance received mixed reviews; critics said although her dancing was top-notch, she seemed disconnected from the crowd.[43] She was also the support act for Britney Spears's Circus tour, where she performed eight nights at London's prestigious O2 Arena during June 2009.[44] Her performance received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who noted her dancing skills as being spectacular and arguably better than Britney Spears'.[45] Ciara made a guest appearance on Nelly's single "Stepped On My J'z" from his album Brass Knuckles. The song achieved minimal success in the U.S.. Ciara was also featured on Enrique Iglesias' single, "Takin' Back My Love", from his Greatest Hits album. The song became an international hit, peaking in the top 10 of over 15 countries, and being certified Gold in Russia, with sales of over 100,000. In February 2010, Ciara along with Pitbull was featured on the remix to Ludacris' hit single "How Low". The following month, Ciara made a cameo appearance in the music video of Usher's single, "Lil' Freak".
Ciara released her fourth studio album, Basic Instinct, on December 14, 2010. She told Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul magazine that the album is about her trusting her instinct and going back to the R&B/urban basics, in the days of "Goodies" and "1, 2 Step".[46] It was executive-produced by the singer alongside her A&R agent Mark Pitts and writing/production duo Tricky Stewart and The-Dream who also produced records for her previous album, Fantasy Ride. Basic Instinct debuted at number forty-four on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 37,000 copies, becoming her first album to not peak within the top three.[47] On the U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the album opened at number 11,[48] her only album to not peak within the top two of the chart.
The lead single, "Ride", which features Ludacris, was released on April 26, 2010. It peaked at number 42 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, number three on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,[49] becoming her twelfth top ten hit on the chart,[50] and number seventy-five on the UK Singles Chart.[51] The accompanying music video won the award for "Best Dance Performance" at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards.[52] "Speechless" was released as the second single from the album and achieved minimal success, peaking at only number 74 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[34] "Gimmie Dat", the third single from the album was praised by critics but failed to become a hit, peaking at only 63 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,[34] and number 27 on the urban charts in the UK.[53] In November 2010, Ciara performed at the Summerbeatz tour alongside Flo Rida, Jay Sean, Akon, Travie McCoy and Ja Rule.[54] In the summer of 2011, Ciara was a part of the Malibu Rum Tour. She performed in seven shows across the US.[55]
In February 2011, following rumors that Ciara had been dropped by Jive Records, she released an official statement to her Facebook page complaining of inadequate promotion and funding from the label. She stated that she received a lack of support from the label, and even paid for the promotion of some singles, such as "Gimmie Dat", herself. The frustration she felt while working with her third and fourth albums led her to request that she be released from her contract.[56] In May 2011, Ciara was removed from the Jive Records website roster.[57] On July 12, 2011, it was reported that she had reunited with L.A. Reid by signing with his record label Epic Records,[58] and was confirmed in September 2011.[59]
2012–2013: Ciara and further acting
Ciara in 2012
During an interview with Sway in the Morning in February 2012, Ciara revealed that she would be taking her time recording her fifth studio album, stating: "It's just really about the vibe, and I'll just tell you that it's a good vibe going. It's really important for me to take my time with this record and it's important for the whole team. It's really, really good energy."[60] She has been working on the album with a number of producers and songwriters, including Hit-Boy, Soundz, Diane Warren, Tricky Stewart, and The Underdogs.[61][62][63] In an interview, Ciara said "I worked with some people that are very fresh, which I'm excited about... When it comes to artists, when it comes to writers, when it comes to producers, I really wanted to push. We pretty much reached out and worked with a lot of people that I've never worked with before, which is really fun."[64]
During a press conference with MTV in May 2012, Ciara announced her fifth studio album would be titled One Woman Army and said the lead single, "Sweat", would be out very soon.[65][66] The single, which features rapper 2 Chainz, premiered online on June 4, 2012, and was to be released via iTunes on June 19, 2012.[67] However, the release of the single was scrapped at the last minute for unknown reasons. On August 13, 2012, Ciara revealed that the official lead single for the album would be titled "Sorry".[68] On September 13, 2012, the official music video for "Sorry" was premiered on BET's 106 & Park as well as VEVO. "Sorry" was made available for purchase as a digital download on September 25, 2012, and impacted U.S. Urban contemporary and Rhythmic radio stations on October 9, 2012.[69] In the United States, "Sorry" reached a peak at 40 on the U.S. BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[70] while charting at number 22 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart listing of the top 25 songs that have yet to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
On October 21, 2012, Rap-Up magazine posted a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of "Got Me Good", the second single from the album. The song and video, which was directed by Joseph Kahn, premiered on the Sony JumboTron in Times Square in New York City on October 25, 2012. The single was released via digital download on November 6, 2012.[71] "Got Me Good" impacted rhythmic radio on November 13,[72] and mainstream radio on December 4.[73]
On April 15, 2013, the same day the album's track listing was revealed, it was also announced that the album is not titled One Woman Army anymore and that the new title is Ciara. Due to their low performance on the charts, the label decided not to include "Sweat", "Sorry", and "Got Me Good" on the tracklist. Instead, it was later announced that a new song titled "Body Party" would serve as the lead single. It was released in March 2013 and reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the U.S. Billboard "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart. The second single was "I'm Out" featuring Nicki Minaj. The album was released on July 9, 2013.[74] The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 59,000 copies in the U.S.[75] The album became Ciara's fourth album to chart within the top three of the Billboard chart.[75] The album charted at number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[76]
Aside from music in 2012, Ciara also starred in two movies during this time. She starred in the straight-to-DVD film, Mama, I Want to Sing!. She played Amara Winter, a preacher's daughter who was discovered by a well-established musician.[77] She appeared as Brie in the 2012 comedy film, That's My Boy. Ciara made an appearance as herself playing Lauren London's best friend on the Season 6 premiere of BET's The Game which aired on March 26, 2013, she continued to be a recurring cast member throughout the season.[78]
In September 2013, producer Mike WiLL Made It revealed that Ciara had begun work on her sixth studio album.[79] In December 2013, Ciara confirmed she was in the process of making a new album.[80] During an interview with Rap-Up magazine Ciara revealed that recording for her sixth album began around Thanksgiving of 2013 and she would be releasing new music "really soon".[81] In late January 2014, Ciara premiered a live version of a song entitled "Anytime" at the Degree Women Grammys Celebration in Los Angeles, on February 2, 2014, Ciara premiered the studio version, produced Boi-1da and Katalyst featuring her then-boyfriend and rapper Future.[82]
After her engagement to Future, Ciara revealed to W in April 2014 that her sixth studio album would be predominantly inspired by her then-fiancé.[83] Ciara gave birth to her first child in May 2014, a boy fathered by Future. After claims of Future's infidelity during their relationship had surfaced, it was reported that the couple's engagement had been called off.[84] Following their very public break-up, Ciara's album release was further postponed to 2015,[83] and during this time the singer "quietly" recorded new music, while concentrating on motherhood.[85]
"I Bet", the lead single from her album Jackie, was released on January 26, 2015.[86][87]
In May 2015, Ciara embarked on her first headlining tour in six years. The month-long Jackie Tour kicked off on May 3, 2015, in Chicago and included stops in New York, Boston, New Orleans, Dallas, and Los Angeles. The first round of US dates wrapped May 31 in San Francisco.[88][89]
Ciara's sixth album, Jackie, was released on May 1, 2015.[90] It includes the singles "I Bet" and "Dance like We're Making Love". The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 with 25,000 units (19,900 in sales), and has the lowest first-week sales amongst her first six albums.[91]
During 2016, Ciara worked on her seventh studio album and stated that the album would feature her undertaking a new musical direction.[94] On January 27, 2017, it was announced that Ciara had signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records.[95][96] On July 17, 2018, Ciara released the single and its accompanying music video, "Level Up". The song was the first single from her seventh studio album[97]Beauty Marks, released on May 10, 2019.[98] In addition to "Level Up", the album spawned the singles "Freak Me", "Dose", "Greatest Love" and "Thinkin Bout You".[99] Ciara performed "Thinkin Bout You" at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.[100]
After taking a break from music to focus on her pregnancy, Ciara released a song and video titled "Rooted", featuring Ester Dean, on August 13, 2020.[103] Between 2020 and 2021, Ciara and her husband Russell Wilson embarked on several business projects, opening the fashion house The House of LR&C,[104] and signed a first look deal with Amazon Studios to start Why Not You Productions.[105]
2022–present: CiCi and The Color Purple
In March 2022, it was announced that Ciara had joined the cast of The Color Purple as Nettie Harris.[106]The Color Purple was released in the United States on December 25, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures. Ciara appeared on the cover of the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her the third musician to do so since the issue launched in 1964.[107]
On June 29, 2022, it was announced that Ciara had signed a new record deal with Republic and Uptown Records, in partnership with her label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. Ciara's eighth studio album will be released through the partnership. The first release from the deal was announced to be the single, "Jump", released on July 8, 2022.[6] In September 2022, it was insinuated that Ciara had collaborated with Summer Walker for a second time.[108][109] On September 28, 2022, Ciara released the uptempo single "Better Thangs", which features Walker.[110][111] The official music video, directed by Mia Barnes premiered online on September 30, 2022.[112] On choosing Walker to collaborate with, Ciara divulged "I've always done collaborations because it felt right, it was authentic. It felt like the artist was going to bring a certain flair to this song that it needed… I played [Summer Walker] a few songs on the album and [...] this is the one song that I thought was perfect for her, but I wanted it for her because she also really liked it."[113] The single has reached 13 on the US BillboardAdult R&B Songs chart, becoming Ciara's first top twenty hit on the chart.[114] In November 2022 a remix of "Better Thangs" featuring rapper GloRilla was released.
On March 24, 2023, Ciara released the single "Da Girls", which was followed on April 14, 2023, with a remix with Lola Brooke and Lady London.[115] Ciara then appeared as a guest performer during Jackson Wang's Coachella performance; the pair performed XG's song "Left, Right", and a medley of Ciara's songs: "Lose Control", "Level Up", "Goodies" and "1, 2, Step".[116][117] The set also included a short snippet of Wang and Ciara's song "Slow", which was released as a single on the same day.[118] On April 25, 2023, the pair released the official music video to "Slow", featuring dance-heavy choreography.[119][120] On May 12, 2023, Ciara released Versions, an EP with remixes to "Da Girls", featuring Derrick Milano, Lay Bankz and the previously released Girls Mix.[121] On June 30, 2023, Ciara released "Get Loose" with Agnez Mo.[122][123] In August 2023, Ciara announced her EP, titled CiCi would be released on August 18, 2023. The lead single from the EP was "How We Roll", which also features Chris Brown as co-lead.[124][125] On August 18, 2023, Ciara released CiCi; the music video to the EP's second single, "Forever", which features Lil Baby, was also released the same day.[126][127] On November 3, 2023, Ciara released a remix to "How We Roll", with a featured rap from Lil Wayne.[128] On November 10, 2023, Ciara released the single "Fantasy", in collaboration with Canadian EDM trio Keys N Krates.[129][130] On June 21, 2024, a remix of Hulvey's 2023 song "Altar", featuring Ciara, was officially released.[131] On July 30, the singer announced her single "Run It Up" featuring Bossman Dlow was released August 9, 2024.[132][133]
Ciara is known for her often "breathy soprano" vocals.[134][135] Allison Stewart of The Washington Post commented that she has a "reedy, agile voice, capable of conveying the only three emotions (sexy, sassy, sad) an R&B singer needs".[136] Randall Roberts of the Los Angeles Times said that she "has been the most synthetic of the R&B divas over the past decade, an electro-leaning vocalist whose instrumental palate has heavily favored stark 808 beats, sassy and seductive vocal lines, and, often, weird, futuristic Gary Numan-esque bleeps woven through."[137] He further commented:
"Ciara's sights are mostly set on one aspect of said universal truth -- desire -- and how it manifests itself on the dance floor ... at the mall ... or in the bedroom...[137]
Ciara has cited Michael Jackson as one of her biggest influences.
Ciara said that watching Destiny's Child and Janet Jackson perform on television inspired her to pursue a career in music,[14] and cites Jackson and her brother Michael as her biggest inspirations.[144] Ciara considered herself to reach "a career pinnacle" when she featured on Janet Jackson's 2008 album Discipline. Ciara spoke of Michael Jackson's legacy, "Whenever someone asks me who inspires me to do what I do, I always say Michael. That's it for me. He's everything to me. He's really a part of the reason why. He's going to be remembered in so many ways for me. I feel it's important for me to continue to let my generation know how important he was to music."[145]
Ciara has generally received praise for her stage presence and routines during live performances. Dalondo Moultrie of The Morning Call's applauded Ciara's stage presence saying that she "put on one of the best performances I have seen yet at [Crocodile Rock]".[152] Moultrie continued to call her dance steps "incredible", notings her "pelvic thrusts", "body bending twists", "periodic bursts of light", and commending her for being in sync with the music. In summary, he praised Ciara's live performances for their "high-energy songs, sexy dance moves, flawless vocals, and [the] top-flight light show".[152] Sia Michel of The New York Times also praised Ciara's relentless professional presence stating: "Ciara led a squad of hip-hop dancers through stylishly choreographed routines. Striding about in a headset, she was a commanding and relentlessly professional presence."[153] Bill White of Seattle Post-Intelligencer wrote that due to Ciara's high energy, "it hardly mattered that she was singing to backing tracks ... Usually this type of performance seems cut-rate and dishonest, but Ciara, with the help of slick lighting and sharp choreography, made it work".[154]
Ciara has still gotten some criticism for her performances, typically relating to her vocals. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times gave a mixed reception of Ciara's performance ability, writing that her physical style reduced her emotional impact, and that her "lack of vocal presence guarantees that it is easier to connect with her music physically than emotionally."[155] Vincent Jackson of The Press of Atlantic City also noted Ciara's limited vocal ability when critiquing her first headlining tour, but praised her confidence and approved of her decision "to put most of her energy into her almost nonstop, aerobic dance performance".[156]
Dance is big part of Ciara's artistry and music videos.[157][158]
Writing for The Guardian, Bim Adewunmi said "She makes music to dance to, and her videos are testament to that ... Ciara's currency as a dancer is precision and high difficulty. Her body becomes a sort of human syncopated beat – an urgent thing, parts moving seemingly independently but all working to a greater good. On a purely technical level, her dancing is damn near untouchable".[159] Ciara's dancing is generally praised and she's often considered one of the best or most emulable dancers in music.[160][161][162] Ciara's dance ability has been compared to Michael and Janet Jackson.[160][163] Her dancing is often described as sexy, energetic, and precise.[164][165] Ciara is noted for her often tomboyish dance aesthetic and androgynous choreography, particularly in her videos for 1, 2 Step and Like A Boy.[158] Ciara's style of dancing is generally street, but she has also done ballroom and step in her videos and performances.[166][167] Ciara also did an interpretive dance routine in pointe shoes for her I Bet music video, though her use of the shoes prompted some backlash from the ballet community.[158][168]
Alter ego
"Super C is a character that people will learn more about on this record. That is my alter ego. Super C doesn't hold back. She is definitely aggressive. She goes hard. Super C can do some magical and funky things. She works hard. She dances to the 10th power. She does everything to the 10th power."
At the time of Fantasy Ride's (2009) release, Ciara introduced her alter ego "Super C". Ciara said that Super C is her "inner strength and aggressive persona" – a futuristic, superhero-esque woman, loosely based on the robotic character Ciara portrayed in the "Go Girl" music video. Ciara described her reasoning for developing an alter ego, "There's so much negative energy in the world, especially within the blogging world, they try so hard to tear you down. [With the superhero concept] it's like, 'I refuse to let you and that negative energy tear me down or stop any blessing that I know is there for me.' That's when the inner superhero comes out."[170]
Impact
With the release of her debut single "Goodies", Ciara was dubbed the Princess of Crunk[171][172] or the First Lady of Crunk&B.[173] In the early to mid-2000s, "Goodies" along with other crunk music hits like "Get Low", "Yeah!" and "Freek-a-Leek" produced by Lil Jon climbed to the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. "Yeah!" and "Goodies" were the first tracks to introduce the substyle of crunk music and contemporary R&B, called crunk&B, to the public. Both of those tracks (performed by Usher and Ciara, respectively) were the top mainstream hits of 2004.[174] Since then, crunk&B has been one of the most popular genres of sung African-American music along with electropop, the genre that replaced crunk and crunk&B on the charts in 2008. "Goodies" spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-running number-one debut single by a female artist since 1977.[175]
Ciara is considered to be "one of the most reliable suppliers" of beat-driven party music and the female face of crunk.[177][178] Her debut album has been credited with helping "return R&B to Atlanta" and setting the standard for a new generation of R&B singers.[179] Many female R&B and K-pop acts have had their image or style of music compared to Ciara's.[180][155][181] Ciara peaked commercially in the mid-2000s, but she continued releasing hit songs in the 2010s. Billboard writer Natalie Weiner said that Ciara's 2013 hit "Body Party" was "one of [her] biggest and most critically acclaimed songs".[182] It was certified double platinum in the U.S. and received numerous accolades.[183][184][185][186] Ciara's 2015 single "I Bet" also went platinum in the U.S.[187]Pitchfork journalist Katherine St. Asaph took note of Ciara's longevity, and responded to her reemergence in 2018:
"Ciara's "Goodies" came out almost 15 years ago. That's a testament to just how improbably resilient Ciara's career has been. Though she's never quite regained that initial "princess of crunk-n-B" level of mainstream stardom, she has sustained a cult fanbase and delivered a remarkably consistent run of songs to back it up.[188]
Ciara's viral 2018 hit "Level Up" was likely the most saturated hit single of her career.[189][190][191] Along with the wildly popular #LevelUp dance challenge that accompanied, the song was pushed to the forefront of Arizona politician Mark Kelly's winning campaign for the senate.[192] The song is also noted for helping to bring Jersey and Baltimore club music to the mainstream, with the former being incorporated into its production.[193] Ciara's music in general is popular and influential amongst club and underground music producers, with many remixes sampling her voice gaining popularity over the years.[194] Canadian underground producer Jacques Greene was convinced to prioritize his music career after his song "Another Girl", which leaned on her vocals, gained traction.[195]Latin R&B artist Rauw Alejandro admired Ciara early in his career because her music was 'club-friendly' and 'ripe for remixing'.[196]
Ciara has been credited with elevating the standard of dance, choreography, and visual art in her respective generation, and is regarded as an icon within the fields of dance, entertainment, and R&B for her contributions.[197][158][198] According to The Fader, Ciara positioned herself as a "tomboyish, androgynous alternative" to her peers and the gender-swapping looks from her "Like A Boy" video both predates similar efforts from artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, and made gender-swapping "cool" for female popstars.[158] The publication also said her dance videos created a template for artists like Tinashe and raised discussion on female sexuality before feminism became more prominent in the music industry. On July 28, 2024, Ciara was honored with her own official day in Atlanta.[199]
Ciara began dating NFL quarterback Russell Wilson in early 2015. They announced their engagement on March 11, 2016.[233][234] They married on July 6 at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England.[235] Ciara took Wilson's last name when they married.[1] She and Wilson have three children together, born in 2017, 2020 and 2023 respectively.[236][237][238]
Ciara became the face of Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line and spokesperson for the women campaign titled "I Will Not Lose", which debuted in the summer of 2007. In the October issue of Vibe Magazine, she appeared, apparently nude, on the magazine cover but claimed Vibe had airbrushed her clothes off. She told MTV News that she was hurt by the photos and was quite shocked when she finally got her hands on the month's issue. She later confirmed that she was in fact clothed.[240]
In 2009, Ciara signed a multimillion-dollar deal with the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models. After signing the deal, she has been in many magazine spreads. In addition to that, she also has her eyes set on beginning a new clothing line. In June 2008, she was in talks with the department store Steve & Barry's to create an affordable clothing line,[241] but it never happened. On November 9, 2009, it was announced that Ciara would be modeling in the German edition of Vogue.[242] During that time, it was also announced that Ciara would be the new face of a major multimedia ad campaign for Verizon's smartphone the LG Chocolate Touch. Ciara filmed a commercial for the campaign, which features her dancing to her 2009 single, "Work".[243] In March 2010, it was officially confirmed and announced that Ciara was the spokesperson in the new ad campaign for Adidas Originals. A commercial for the campaign was released the same month, featuring numerous other celebrities.[244]
On May 12, 2016, it was announced that Ciara signed a modeling contract with IMG.[3] Later that year, she became a Global Brand Ambassador for the cosmetics giant Revlon.[4]
In 2020, along with her husband and entrepreneur and mentor Christine Day, she founded the fashion house The House of LR&C, combining the Good Man Brand, LITA by Ciara and Human Nation collections.[104] In 2021, Ciara releases the Dare To Roam collection of recycled plastic backpacks and bags.[246] A year later, The House of LR&C received B Corp status.[247]
Ciara, along with her husband, owns the television entertainment, advertising, and film production company Why Not You Productions, which has been affiliated with Amazon Prime Video since 2021.[248]
In October 2021, Ciara has joined Caribbean rum brand Ten To One Rum as an investor and co-owner. Ciara will be responsible for marketing, creative, and business development, as well as strategic alliances, in her new position.[249]
Later in August, Ciara would announce the launch of her skincare line, On A Mission, set for mid-September.[253]
Philanthropy
In September 2008, Ciara contributed to the song "Just Stand Up!" with fifteen other female artists, who shared the stage to perform the song live on September 5, 2008, during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special. The proceeds from the single were given to the fundraiser.[254] The television special helped raise $100 million for cancer research.[255]
In 2009, Ciara became the face of Dosomething.org's "Do Something 101" campaign to raise school supplies for those in need at the start of the school year.[256] She filmed a public service announcement to endorse the campaign.[257]
In December 2017, Ciara joined her husband's nonprofit 'Why Not You' Foundation as a board director.[258] Through the foundation, she would eventually open a charter school called Why Not You Academy in June 2021 following an announcement eight months prior.[259] They would also partner with the NFL Players Association and Goalsetter to open checking accounts for students at Denny International Middle School with a donation of $35,000 in May 2021.[260] Ciara would later partner with the Black Women's Health Imperative and Hologic's Project Health Equality on their collaborative 'Cerving Confidence' campaign to raise awareness about the disproportionate effects of cervical cancer on black women.[261]
^Rosen, Jody (December 4, 2006). "Ciara: The Evolution: Music". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
^"Watch Ciara Break Down 5 Iconic Dance Moves to Her New Single, "Dose"". October 29, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2022. If there's anyone whose dancing you want to copy, it's Ciara's. That's why we knew we had to ask the singer—currently in the midst of working on her seventh studio album—to break down five of her most iconic moves, so that you can know exactly which one to bust out the next time you need to make waves on the dance floor.
^"Ciara Wows During 'Jackie Tour,' Performs Michael Jackson Tribute". May 6, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2022. imitating the late pop star and legend,Michael Jackson. Although, she's been compared to Janet Jackson since her start, Ciara dominated his moves effortlessly in a mini tribute.
^"Review: Ciara Stays in Her Lane on Jackie—And That's A Good Thing". Retrieved February 10, 2022. 'Once billed as the first lady of Crunk&B, she's become one of the most reliable suppliers of frothy, light-on-its-feet party music, mixing the freshest parts of R&B and hip-hop with the drum-machine beats of decades past.'
^"Ciara Achieves Her Career Pinnacle to Date with 'Beauty Marks':Album Review". May 13, 2019. Retrieved February 10, 2022. 'it was the Atlanta, Georgia headquartered singer-songwriter-dancer Ciara Harris that became crunk's female face ... an alliance between the hip-hop super strain and contemporary R&B that echoed the R&B and hip-hop coalescence of the late 1980s that birthed new jack swing'
^"LP1: FKA twigs". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 22, 2022. 'The most obvious reference points, aside from the spectrum of breathy, synth-heavy R&B that stretches from Ciara through the Weeknd and Beyoncé .... There are also clear links to contemporary UK artists working the margins between R&B and electronic music, like James Blake, the xx, and even Sophie'"Meet FKA Twigs, the next big name in R&B". September 2014. Retrieved February 22, 2022. 'In a review of her album in Pitchfork, Philip Sherburne listed artists ranging from Ciara and Beyoncé to James Blake, the xx, and Kate Bush as potential influences'"Sail Out EP: Jhené Aiko". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 10, 2022. 'The recent adoration of artist like Ciara ... may have provided a perfect incubator for a singer like Jhené Aiko
^"10 Artists Who Should Remix Ciara's 'Body Party'". April 24, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2023. Ciara's body of work has been strip-mined by dance music artists in search of valuable remix materials for years, and much to our benefit."Rewind: Jacques Greene - Another Girl". Retrieved January 22, 2023. Of all the club songs to sample Ciara—and there were a lot of them around then—is the pinnacle, especially because of the respect and restraint Greene practices with the source material. It's hard to overstate the influence that contemporary R&B had over club music at the turn of the last decade, and it wasn't only the vocalists.
^"Rewind: Jacques Greene - Another Girl". Retrieved January 22, 2023. Though in hindsight it may not be the most obvious club hit, "Another Girl" was a paradigm shift. It encouraged Greene to go full-time with music, and now he's one of the most successful Canadian electronic artists going. It helped predict the direction that UK club music would go in after 2011, as the motley crew of post-dubstep producers started to converge on house."The 200 Best Tracks of the Decade So Far (2010-2014)". Pitchfork. August 18, 2014.
^"Ciara to Host Billboard's Women in Music Awards". January 31, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022. 'R&B and dance icon Ciara has been tapped to host Billboard's Women in Music Awards, according to The Hollywood Reporter.'
^"Baby Tate is All Grown Up". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2022. Drawing from her Atlanta community, both in support and inspiration, Baby Tate's musical catalog touches influences from Gucci Mane and Ciara, to Ludacris
^"Dua Lipa Recovered from a Rough Modeling Career to Become a Pop Sensation". Harper's Bazaar. January 31, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2022. I feel like growing up in a musical household and always being surrounded by it, I was always kind of a performer child...It was something that I always loved to do. It was kind of inevitable, I guess, my love for music. I've always been so in love with it and so inspired by it from making shows in the living room and doing dance routines in the school playground to like, "1, 2 Step" by Ciara and Missy Elliott.
^"Braids, Grimes, and Doldrums". Retrieved January 20, 2023. Grimes' music is much more influenced by modern dance music, at the same time ... It also marks a challenge to our collective notions of what constitutes experimental music ... "I do consider my music experimental, because generally it's kind of an experiment for me whenever I make something, even if it's, like, 'can I get this production to sound like Rihanna?[...] There's lots of music that I consider experimental that isn't treated as such in the media, such as Ciara, because the term doesn't fit with her public image."
^"Haim". July 15, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2022. They've tentatively started writing new material, and absorbed themselves deep in listening; Arca's new album for Este and buckets of Joni for Danielle, while Alana has been "very nostalgic for my bat mitzvah seventh-grade era of my life. I've been listening to a lot of '1, 2 Step' by Ciara and Missy Elliot
^"Evapora". YouTube Music. Retrieved March 1, 2022. You know, back in Brazil you're just such a huge reference for all the black girls, and actually for me too. Our dancers were crying on the way here ... this is really important for us
^"Watch Jackson Wang and Ciara perform XG's 'Left Right' at Coachella". NME. April 17, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023. "I just wanna say, thank you so much. You inspired me ... On behalf for everybody, I wanna thank you, we wanna thank you for who you are, and thank you for being such a big part of our lives. We're too blessed to have you."
^"Jesy Nelson Can't Be Stopped". Paper. Retrieved October 8, 2021. 'And I've got so many influences. Missy Elliott is one of them. Ciara is another. All the old school bands like Jagged Edge, ATL, 112, B2K... I could literally go on forever, but for me personally, that era is the best music that was ever made.
^"Ciara & Kehlani's full interview on Level Up Radio". Apple Music. Retrieved September 5, 2021. 'I'm not sure if you realize the impact you have on my generation and class of artist specifically ... you are like very legendary and I hope they give you all the legend awards ... thank you for just like, trailblazing'
^"NEW MUSIC: LATOCHA – KNEE DEEP". June 26, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2022. LaTocha, the former lead singer of the Xscape, finds inspiration in Ciara's previous hit "Body Party,"...LaTocha commended Ciara for keeping the sexy movement going, and for giving women a voice to express their sexual desires without being labeled as a freak.
^"Latto talks favorite rappers, drag racing, being a writer". Retrieved February 20, 2024. Latto recalls Atlanta artist, Ciara, as one of her Atlanta influences when it comes to becoming an artist. "We were on the set of Goodies and I fell in love with Ciara." Alongside Ciara, Latto names Gucci Mane, OutKast, and T.I. as some of her Atlanta influences.
^"Normani Gushes to Childhood Icon Ciara About Her Impact, Says Debut Album Is 'Almost Done'". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2021. 'You're somebody that I've looked up to forever. I always felt like representation was so key. And being a little girl, in my grandmother's living room, learning the '1, 2 Step,' 'Goodies.' From literally the earliest memories that I have, you are a part of that and you really helped shape the woman and the artist that I could be. You opened my mind to those possibilities.'
^"Level Up Radio with guest Rauw Alejandro". Apple Music. Retrieved February 10, 2022. 'It's a pleasure to be talking with you. I'm a big fan. Thankyou for inspiring, y'know, males & females cuz' .... you've been killing the game for awhile & you're a superstar so it's an honor to be talking with you'
^"IN CONVERSATION WITH TATE MCRAE". November 5, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2022. 'Who and why are your biggest influences in the music industry?' 'obviously as a dancer and a singer, I've always looked up to on stage performances from Britney Spears or J.Lo, or Ciara, dancers who fully bring a performance on stage.'
^Caramanica, Jon (October 3, 2014). "A Voice That Oozes Instead of Shouts". The New York Times. Retrieved February 28, 2022. 'Tinashe has taken a path charted by Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Ciara and others: She's a low-key sensualist with a mild undertow of brooding. She doesn't sing with bombast, but rather in smoothly spread out phrases somewhere between whisper and lip lick.'"Tinashe at Powerhouse, talks not going to prom, Andre 3000, Ciara, and goals in music". YouTube. November 5, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2021. 'Is [Ciara] somebody that you looked up to or admired at some point in your career?' 'Yeah, I mean Ciara's a super talented individual .... you can also look to people who bring something cool to the table as inspiration...'
^"INCREDIBLE WOMEN OF 2024: GRAMMY-WINNING ARTIST TYLA". Retrieved June 10, 2024. Much like her musical influences, her personal style references the seductive club culture of the early aughts with clear nods to Rihanna, Cassie and Ciara in the genesis of their careers.
^"2NE1 announce Hong Kong concert in March to support new album, Crush". February 26, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2023. The group claims influences from a range of musical genres and acts outside of South Korea. Vocalist and rapper Minji "Minzy" Gong ... offers up Ciara, Michael and Janet Jackson, for example"Watch: 2NE1 Perform 'Crush' Live At 'SBS Gayo Daejun 2014'". Retrieved January 20, 2023. The Ciara-inspired force that is 2NE1 took '2014 SBS Gayo Daejun' by storm earlier this week, taking to the star-studded event to perform their #1 single 'Come Back Home' and the explosive 'Crush.'
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