The Evolution of Ciara
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The Evolution of Ciara - It's been almost a decade since Ciara sang and danced her way to stardom. The high-energy performer, singer and songwriter has released hit after hit, making her a household name and club favorite. With more success and music on the way, the ATL star is set to grace the stage at this year's Black Girls Rock! ceremony. Here, we reflect on the example the star has set for young women looking to follow in her footsteps. (Photo: ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images)
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Born a Princess - Ciara Princess Harris was born October 25, 1985 in Austin, Texas, only to travel the world and end up in Atlanta. She primarily grew up on army bases, but learned to make friends as an only child. The constant moving would prepare her for the demands of her future music career. (Photo: OnlyCiara.com)
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Beginnings as a Songwriter - The pop star started her career as a behind-the-scenes songwriter. She penned her first major hit, "Got Me Waiting," for Fantasia Barrino's debut album, Free Yourself, which caught music executives' attention. They began to take note of her songwriting skills and potential as an artist. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
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Musical Soulmates - One of CiCi's earliest industry mentors was music producer Jazze Pha. He would go on to become a major influence in her career, helping her sign a major record deal and produce platinum-selling albums. (Photo: Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage)
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Hitting It Big Time - Ciara's debut single "Goodies" became an international hit, reigning radio airwaves and club speakers. It was the summer anthem of 2004 and often hailed for its similarities to Usher's "Yeah." The "Goodies" music video was directed by Benny Boom and features cameo appearances by BoneCrusher, Monica, Rasheeda, Jazze Pha, Young Jeezy and Lil Jon, among others. (Photo: Sony Music)
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The First Lady of Crunk & B - The rising star dropped her first album, Goodies, shortly after the single's massive success. Goodies debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 124,750 copies in its first week. It would go on to become triple platinum certified by the RIAA and make Ciara an international phenomenon. (Photo: Sony Music)
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ATL Shawty - ATL's new Crunk princess would bring in Ludacris for another successful single on the Goodies album, "Oh." The music video would imprint the image of Ciara climbing and twerking on a car in the memories of fans across the world, pushing the single to the top ten on seven major music charts.(Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
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Everybody 1,2 Step - Racking up more hit singles, CiCi teamed up with Missy Elliott for the dance track "1, 2 Step." It was a certified dance catalyst and just the beginning of a long friendship. Ciara would later make a cameo appearance in Missy's "Lose Control" video. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Evolving - The singer's second album, The Evolution of Ciara, would come at the heels of a break up, and immense personal growth. The album debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, and featured more hit singles, such as "Promise" and "Like a Boy."(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Label Power - Much of Ciara's growth can be attributed to L.A. Reid, who signed the star initially to LaFace Records and has followed her most of her career. In 2011, he signed her again to Epic Records. The two have continued their business relationship.(Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)
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