For teen star, being uncool is way cool
Keke Palmer is looking to inspire kids with her CD debut "So Uncool." But being a positive role model is nothing new for this 14-year-old performer.
Keke first garnered national attention in last year's "Akeelah and the Bee," about an inner-city student and her triumphant rise in a national spelling bee. Not only was the movie critically acclaimed, but Keke was hailed for her portrayal and won a best actress trophy at the NAACP Image Awards.
Keke has also starred with "High School Musical" actor Corbin Bleu in the Disney TV film "Jump In" and had a role as a surly teen in Tyler Perry's "Madea's Family Reunion."
Keke gives listeners positive encouragement throughout the recently released "So Uncool," like on the song "Hood Anthem," in which she knocks down the idea that those coming from a tough environment have to embrace negative stereotypes.
But while Keke may be delivering some sage advice, when it comes down to her personal life, she's just the typical teen.
Q. How do you stay so grounded?
A. My parents. I just always try to remember, you know, if I ever had a friend that was in the business and she just changed, I wouldn't like it. So, I wanna do the same -- just keep it regular. Always remember where I came from and who I am.
Q. Why call the album "So Uncool"?
A. Being different -- some people may think that you're so uncool, but at the same time that makes you cool because you're just being yourself. So the whole thing with the name is just (about) being you, being different. That describes me -- so I named it "So Uncool."
Q. What keeps you from trying to keep up with the crowd?
A. It (didn't) really make me any difference of what people thought of me. I'm always going to be myself. I don't like chasing after people. I was never a follower. I always kind of did my own thing and whatever happened, happened.
Q. How do you pick your roles? Are your parents really vocal about what roles you take?
A. It's definitely my parents. They want me to be in good movies and good roles that can maybe speak and help children and maybe I can keep being a role model for them. We want good movies and good roles that are good for me and show me in a good light.
Q. So who's more intimidating to work with, Laurence Fishburne (in "Akeelah and the Bee" or Tyler Perry (as Madea in "Madea's Family Reunion")?
A. I would have to say neither one of them are necessarily intimidating intimidating. But if I had to pick, I was more nervous meeting Laurence Fishburne because you know, he was Morpheus! So I was just like, "Whoa." But you know, he was cool.