This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
*In the new Lifetime film “Fame: A Temptations Story,” Keri Hilson stars as Cherish, one half of the highly successful music duo, the Jordan Sisters. But behind the glam and fame, her character is tangled in a web of sibling rivalry, personal doubts, and the pressures of the spotlight. Hilson recently shared her thoughts on her character’s journey, the challenges she faced in preparing for the role, and the valuable lessons the film offers, especially for young people navigating fame.
A Complex Journey for Cherish
Cherish, the character Hilson plays, is adored by fans as the more famous and beloved half of the duo. However, as Hilson describes, the story delves deep into the dynamics of family, fame, and self-discovery.
“Well, without telling the whole movie, I can say that we are a group together. We’re called the Jordan Sisters, TJS, and we’re like uber famous, super, super duper famous duo,” Hilson explained. “I am known to be, Cherish is known to be, well, she’s just more known. She’s more adored, more cherished. And I believe that’s why they named her that, because she’s, you know, it’s a whole thing.”
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As the story unfolds, Hilson’s character and her sister face the challenges of grief, competition, and doubt that threaten to unravel both their professional and personal lives. The relationship, once solid, starts to fray as both women deal with their insecurities.
“We start off tight. We’ve just lost our father, and just, it’s like nonstop chaos ensues, and it makes us doubt even our own relationship, something neither of us ever saw coming,” Hilson shared. “You’re seeing these two famous people just really going through things that normal humans go through. Families really go through things like that–suspicion, jealousy, and disagreements. But this one gets pretty dramatic.”
Despite the intense drama, Hilson noted that filming the movie was an enjoyable experience, especially working with her co-star, Keisha Chanté. “We had a lot of fun making it. And that’s rare. Sometimes there are divas involved, but myself and Keisha Chanté played sisters and now we’ve become sisters,” she said, adding that the bond between the two grew naturally on set.
On Collaborating with Keisha Chanté
Both Hilson and Chanté are accomplished musicians, so blending their musical talents for Fame felt natural. Hilson recalled a unique connection that started long before they met on set.
“I actually wrote on her debut album, I think it was her debut album. I was super young. She was super young. We didn’t meet, though. I wasn’t at the session. I didn’t produce or record her vocals, but I was a part of the writing team,” Hilson revealed. “She was like, ‘I’ve been wanting to meet you all this time.’”
This shared history made for a seamless collaboration during the filming process. “When you’re a professional and you love what you do and you know what you’re doing, you’re bringing that passion, you’re bringing that vigor and that excitement into everything you do,” Hilson said. “It was just really easy. There really were no difficulties with her at all.”
Fame’s Temptations and Real-Life Parallels
While Cherish’s journey is filled with the temptations of fame, Hilson reflected on the aspects of her own career that resonated with the storyline.
“Maybe the fear of how you’re being perceived, there may be some like undertones that I could relate to,” she admitted. “But not that many. I’ve never gone through most of the things that she’s going through, and I’m not famous with my family. I don’t work with my family either.”
However, Hilson recognized some of the pressure that comes with the public’s gaze, especially when dealing with media scrutiny. “There’s a scene where it’s all just coming to a head with an interviewer in our face, cameras in our faces, and like the way that you have to think fast. And sometimes you’re affected. Sometimes you’re emotional,” she explained, drawing a connection to her own experiences under the spotlight.
Parallels Between Music and Film
Hilson’s new album, We Need to Talk, features a mix of love songs and drama, which aligns with the themes explored in Fame.
“The second part of my album is called Drama, and my character in the film also has some moments where she’s choosing to sing about her reality as it’s going on,” she said. “So there are similarities, but probably not on this first part, per se, other than the fact that, again, music is about love.”
What Advice Would She Give Cherish?
If Cherish were Hilson’s real-life bestie, Hilson would offer some insightful advice based on the character’s struggles.
“I believe that Cherish believes Cherish. And I believe that if she were my friend, I would say, I get it, you’re justified,” she said. “But sometimes, we kind of force our will. We have a need to control our circumstances and our life story. And instead of allowing things to unfold, you can get caught up when you’re trying to manipulate situations.”
For young people navigating the pressures of fame, Hilson’s advice is clear: “I hope that young people can understand that fame comes at a cost, but you don’t have to make it harder than it needs to be. Keep your family close. Know who you can trust. Use your discernment at all times. Don’t allow anything or anyone to cloud your discernment and your judgment of those that you truly love.”
“Fame: A Temptations Story” premieres April 26 on Lifetime and promises to offer a gripping look into the complexities of fame, family, and the realities of success in the entertainment industry. The movie is also available to stream via Lifetime Movie Club.
Watch our full interview with Keri Hilson below.
MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Trailer Drops for Lifetime’s ‘Fame: A Temptations Story’ Starring Keri Hilson and Keshia Chanté | Watch
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