Only one entry per person, per email address. Official Rules

Parenthood

Only one entry per person, per email address. Official Rules

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Official Rules

Official Rules

Why is your new album called Red?
Most of the songs on this album are about fast-paced, out-of-control love. And the title track, “Red” is about a love that’s so intense, you can’t forget it. To me, intense emotion is red. This album documents my experiences with those types of relationships, from beginning to end.

Do you write better songs when you’re happy or sad?
I write songs about both the good and bad parts of love, so it’s hard to say which is the better inspiration. Sometimes sadness can be so overwhelming, it stifles you. I’d much rather be happy, so I choose that as my preferred inspiration.

You’ve collaborated with a lot of great artists. Is there someone you haven’t worked with yet that you would like to?
All of the artists I wanted to work with more than anything are on this album.

How long does it usually take you to write a song?
It varies. I could get a lightning bolt of inspiration and write a song in 20 minutes, or I could labor over one for four months and put it down, then go back to it. That’s what I love about songwriting. You never know how or when it’s going to happen.

When you find time to read, what kind of books do you read?
I love The Hunger Games series and I was so honored to get to write music for the movie. Those books suck you in and keep you engaged like nothing I’ve read before.

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My mom. I’ve never gone a day without talking to her, and she gives me the wisest advice. But most of all, she’s put her kids first since we were born. Growing up, she was always there for me when I needed a friend. That’s why she’s still one of my closest friends now.

The holidays are one of the best times to hit the movie theater—doesn’t relaxing at the movies sound perfect after a big family meal? And it’s so much easier to avoid the Friday and Saturday night crowds if you have some time off of work. Luckily, there are some great films coming out this season including Les Miserables, This is 40, and Jessica Biel’s new movie, Playing for Keeps (check out our In My Words Q&A with her in the December 2012/January 2013 issue!).

To help put you in the holiday movie-watching spirit, we’re giving away five sets of two Fandango movie tickets. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog post. Happy holidays! (Only one entry per person and per email address.)

Official Rules

I can’t wait for Malibu Country. What’s your character like?
I play an ex-country singer, whose husband, a very famous country singer, cheats on her. She gets a divorce and moves to Nashville from Malibu to restart her career so she can support her kids.

What makes you a true southern belle?
Southern principles, morals and a good sense of humor. Respecting my elders. I don’t take some things as seriously as other folks.

Do you have any hidden talents?
Not that I know of! I’ve recently taken fly fishing lessons so I think I’m hooked on that.

I’m a redhead too, and my skin is sensitive to the sun. How do you keep your complexion so flawless?
I try to stay out of the sun as much as I can, cleanse my face daily and moisturize a lot! I always look for new products that will erase brown spots and get rid of wrinkles.

When can we expect a new album from you?
I started recording in the studio over the summer so new music will be out soon. Some of the music I’m recording will be for the TV show too.

What’s one food you could live off of for the rest of your life?
Red beans and cornbread—I love that. But one food? Beef stew!

What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?
Enjoy life. Love yourself. Have fun. Don’t get so nervous. Practice more. Take better care of your body—exercise more and quit picking up 50-pound sacks of cattle feed!

Image Courtesy of ABC/Adam Taylor

Every month an LHJ reader will get the chance to interview one of their favorite celebrities. This month, Linda Jacob of Prince George, Virginia quizzes Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba about grading the dancers, her BFF Bruno, and more.

Has the audience reaction ever made you change your opinion of a performance?

There are so many elements that go into a score, and the audience’s response is a big one. After all, a performance is for the audience, so if the audience doesn’t like it, I can’t give it a great score. The other elements that go into my scoring include technique, musicality, their chemistry and the way it all looks.

Who would be your dream partner if you were competing on DWTS?

My dream partner would, of course, be none other than Len Goodman himself. He’s the king of ballroom, and I would settle for nothing less than the best, and that would be Mr. Len Goodman.

Most people don’t know you started off as a singer. What is your singing style like?

I have a voice that’s like Sinéad O’Connor and Karen Carpenter mixed together. And when I write music my style is country/folk, kind of like Tracy Chapman. I like simple ballads and songs that tell stories because I was raised in Hawaii, and in Hawaii all the songs are like folk tales and tell stories. I’m actually getting back into writing again, so it’s nice. I play the piano and the ukulele and I’m learning how to play the guitar.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always be better than your last job. Also, you’re always going to have to audition, so don’t get used to success—I learned that from Gregory Hines. When I was studying choreography at the University of California, Irvine he came in to speak with us. It was after he had done White Knights, and he was a big star. He was somebody I totally looked up to and I imagined he had this incredibly fancy, easy life, but he told us that you’ll always have to audition, and each job does not lead you to the next job. In every audition since then I’ve always tried to be better than what they expected from my last audition.

Who would you rather get stuck in an elevator with, Len or Bruno?

Definitely Bruno Tonioli. He’s like my brother from another mother. And he’s very entertaining. When we did Dance War together, we formed this unbreakable bond and I know that he’ll be there for me in any way, shape or form. Len is sort of an old-fashioned guy. I don’t know that he’d do much to help get us out of the elevator, but I think between Bruno and I, we’d find a way out, and if not, we’d have a great time being stuck!