Willa Ford Biography

During her early childhood years growing up in Ruskin, Florida, Amanda Williford, born twenty years ago, dreamed of pursuing a musical career. Almost twenty years later, Willa Ford has managed to fulfill that childhood dream with the help of her smash hit single, "I Wanna Be Bad."

As the youngest child of four, Willa began performing at a very early age. This young talent began to pursue her dream at the ripe age of 8, as she began singing with the Tampa Bay Children's Choir.

By the time she reached 11 years of age, she started her professional career with the Tampa-based children's performing arts troupe, Entertainment Revue. This group consisted of 20 girls, ranging in age from 5 to 16.

As a group, the girls managed to gain much exposure by performing in variety shows throughout the region. These shows included top venues, such as Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens. Willa performed her little heart out and eventually moved her way up from chorus member to the role of featured soloist.

At the age of 15, however, she left the group to pursue other challenges, including a short-lived stint with a local foursome who dubbed themselves FLA. Willa claims that she was so intent on becoming successful in the music business, she was willing to sacrifice everything to make it. Eventually, she made the big move, and headed out to LA to pursue her dream.

In 1999, Willa landed herself a record deal with Lava/Atlantic and eventually went into the studio to record her debut album, Willa Was Here. She landed a spot on tour with the Backstreet Boys and managed to attract a great deal of attention.

At the time, much of this attention could be attributed to the relationship that ensued with Backstreet Boy Nick Carter. Fits of jealous rage and other related nonsense provoked female fans from all over to boycott the young singer, and even put up hate websites targeted at Willa.

While working on her debut album, Willa collaborated with a wide array of writers and producers, including DJ Skribble and Anthony Acid. Her first single and music video -- the title track, "I Wanna Be Bad" -- includes an appearance from Royce Da 5'9", an up-and-coming hip-hop star. Royce, a protégé of hip-hop super-villain Eminem, lays down vocals on the hit single, adding to the whole "Bad" vibe. If Willa really wants to be bad, this guy could surely help her out.

While Willa's first release is in the midst of climbing the music charts, a second release is soon to follow. If she was intent on being bad on the first single, one could only imagine what her plans are for her follow-up. Only Willa herself could answer that one. Surely I speak for all males when I say: let's hope for the worst.

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WILLA FORD BIOGRAPHY