Bria Danielle Singleton talks about latest role in I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Cox: Bria I want to first say congratulations on your latest role as Bobbi Kristina Brown in I Wanna Dance with Somebody. How does it feel? 

Singleton: Honestly, I still can’t believe it. I’m like Oh my God every time I pass by a poster or someone brings up the movie to me. It’s so unbelievable and crazy.  

Cox: I know this has to be a world wind of an experience for you right now. How was the process for your from getting the sides, auditioning, to ultimately getting the part. 

Singleton: Well, it was during the height of COVID so everything was self-tapes. My twin sister helped me with taping my audition and then there was this long waiting period. I was shocked and in disbelief when my agent finally called me and told me I got the part. For me it was a moment like wait they really want me for this. That was such a shock for me.  

Cox: During that waiting period what was going through your mind? 

Singleton: I knew this could be a jumpstart for my career. Like this could be my moment. 

Cox: So, when you finally got the part, how did you prepare to play a young Bobbi Kristina? 

Singleton: For me, it was looking through the internet to find clips and footage of how Bobbi and Whitney interacted. I wanted to see, feel and understand Bobbi Kristina as her genuine self. Because I’m playing the teen version of her, I wanted to find that version of her. That was important to me.  

Cox: There were so many opinions on this movie from fans both positive and negative. Were you nervous at any point? 

Singleton: 100% because I knew this would be the biggest thing for my career so far. There was backlash immediately when it got announced. I just felt that people were more nervous about the project because they are such fans and they wanted it to be a good representation of Whitney. I understand that they didn’t want someone to ruin her story. I think this film did a great job capturing Whitney Houston.  

Cox: Speaking of being nervous and the criticism that came with the film. How did you handle seeing or hearing the comments? 

Singleton: It was a lot of me protecting myself and my family and friends as well. When I would show my mom things that I found sometimes she would be surprised because she and others would work to make sure I didn’t see the negative comments. But of course, you know those things will get back to me. Everyone around me kept me informed on what was true and not true when it came to what people were saying about the film, I had a lot of reassurance from everyone that kept things in a positive light for me.  

Cox: With all the mixed opinions, why do you feel people should give this film a chance? 

Singleton: It gives another side of Whitney Houston for people to see. It’s not one sided. We all have many versions of ourselves that people get to experience and see. Many times, in the media and with projects they focused on the negative parts at the end of her story. This film shows how she got to where she was, what she overcame, and all her achievements.  It does a great job at showing truly how much this iconic woman went through.  

Getting to know Bria 

Cox: Thank you for shining light on this film, but before we go, I want to get to know a little more about Bria. How did you get into this world of acting? 

Singleton: I was actually born into this world with my twin sister. She was doing modeling and acting before me. My mom pushed me to try a lot of the things in the arts besides acting such as dance and music. This helped me see that acting was for me even though I liked those other things and could do them. I really thank her for that because it helped me find my love for it and realize it at an early age.  

Cox: The acting industry is all about the hustle and bustle. What makes it all worthwhile for you from landing the role to the rejections? 

Singleton: It’s really the whole process for me. From getting the script to reading for the character. All these components are brought together to bring everything to life from the writers, directors, actors, and crew. It’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of and amazing to watch.  

Cox: I know you have plans for college. Tell me a little bit about that. 

Singleton: I plan to go to college and actively pursue acting simultaneously. I want to study psychology. I really want to be able to help people especially kids. At first, I thought about being a teacher, but that changed because I want to get more personal and deeper with people. I want to build those connections so that I can help kids who need an outlet to express themselves.  

Cox: Is there any genre or type of movie or show you want to star in? 

Singleton: Yes, I would love to be in something in the Marvel Universe. Right now, I love Moon Knight it’s my favorite. But also, I love what A24 is putting out because their projects really make you think. There are so many elements to what they produce like you really have to sit back and pay attention. It’s like a scavenger hunt when you watch their films. I have such an obsession with them so that would be a dream come true.  

Cox: Lastly, what advice would you someone around your age pursing the same career? 

Singleton: I want them to know it’s about being patient. It took me sixteen years to get this opportunity. Nothing happens overnight. It’s a process and you have to remember why you are doing this, don’t give up, and keep reminding yourself this is what you love.  

Credits

Photographer: Tyren Redd

Styling: Tabitha Sanchez

Hair: Sean Fears

Makeup: Kimora Mulan