Rita Ora on working with Brandy in ‘Descendants’ musical: ‘It’s crazy’
2024-07-13
Brandy's Cinderella Inspires Rita Ora's Dual Passion for Music and Acting
Rita Ora, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and actress, recently opened up about her profound admiration for Brandy, the iconic R&B artist and actress. In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ora shared her star-struck experience of working alongside Brandy in the highly anticipated Disney+ film, "Descendants: The Rise of Red."
Growing up, Rita Ora was deeply inspired by Brandy's captivating performance in the 1997 television adaptation of "Cinderella," co-starring the legendary Whitney Houston. Ora reminisced, "Watching her Cinderella with Whitney Houston was so iconic for so many reasons. It made me believe in myself – like, 'Oh my goodness, I can do this too.'" Brandy's ability to seamlessly transition between music and acting left a lasting impression on the young Ora, who aspired to emulate her idol's versatility.
Brandy's Dual Artistry Fuels Ora's Ambitions
Brandy's remarkable career trajectory, encompassing both singing and acting, served as a powerful motivation for Rita Ora. "That's something that I love to do and that I aspire to be: a musician and an actor at the same time, and she was able to balance both, and that's a huge priority for me," Ora expressed with enthusiasm. Witnessing Brandy's success in navigating the dual realms of music and film inspired Ora to pursue her own multifaceted artistic journey.
Ora's Awe-Struck Collaboration with Brandy
The opportunity to work alongside Brandy in "Descendants: The Rise of Red" was a dream come true for Rita Ora. "Oh my gosh, it's crazy – I did a movie with Brandy!" Ora exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "I love her so much." Ora fondly recalled her admiration for Brandy's vocal prowess, stating, "I loved her music growing up, she was one of the vocalists that I would try and imitate every day in my bedroom." The chance to not only share the screen but also collaborate musically with her idol was a profound and humbling experience for Ora.
Brandy's Mentorship and Guidance
Beyond the sheer thrill of working with Brandy, Rita Ora also cherished the invaluable advice and support the veteran artist provided. "She gave me so much advice, and we sang together. I love her," Ora gushed, highlighting the mentorship and camaraderie that blossomed during their collaboration. Brandy's willingness to share her expertise and insights with the younger Ora served as a testament to her generosity and commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
The Lasting Impact of Brandy's Influence
Rita Ora's admiration for Brandy's artistry and her own aspirations to emulate the singer-actress's dual success have undoubtedly shaped Ora's creative journey. The opportunity to work alongside her idol has not only been a career-defining moment but has also reinforced Ora's determination to forge her own path as a multifaceted performer. Brandy's enduring influence continues to inspire Ora, who is poised to follow in the footsteps of her revered mentor and carve out a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
