Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Jazmine Sullivan Tuning Into Acting

by Gary Graff, Detroit  |   February 18, 2009 2:13 EST
With "Lions, Tigers & Bears" -- the third single form her debut album, "Fearless" -- climbing the charts, going 0-for-5 at this year's Grammy Awards did not phase Jazmine Sullivan.

"I'm not at all upset," the Philadelphia singer and songwriter, who was nominated for best new artist and in five R&B categories, tells Billboard.com. "Everybody who was nominated pretty much was deserving. I have a long career ahead of me, so this is not my last Grammys, hopefully."

Sullivan is looking forward to conquering another world this year, however -- acting. In April she'll fly to Prague to start shooting "Red Tails," director Anthony Hemingway's Tuskegee Airmen story. "I play a singer who entertains soldiers," reports Sullivan, who will appear alongside current touring partner Ne-Yo. "I'm really just entertainment for them, but I kind of get a little relationship going with one of them. So that's very exciting.

"I used to act when I was younger, in little plays," adds Sullivan, who attended Philadelphia's Creative and Performing Arts high school. "It never was really a passion of mine. It's just something I did and I could do. Anything where I can be creative, I like to do."

Sullivan also has a TV project brewing but says she can't reveal details yet.

She's not yet sure about a fourth single from "Fearless," however, and a second album appears to be on the back burner at the moment. "I haven't discussed it with the label [Atlantic]," Sullivan says. "They aren't pressuring me yet. I think we all are trying to get ('Fearless') hear worldwide. But I am thinking of songs these days.

"I took a break (from writing). I didn't have an inspiration or anything like that for a little while. But now it's starting to come to me. I don't like to force things; as they come to me, I put the ideas down and...roll from there."

Up for Discussion

Connect with

More Features

All features

All of Billboard.com's Great Lists

Billboard chart app

Billboard archives

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.