BY CYNTHIA HORNER
Serayah McNeill quickly became a fan favorite on the first season of “Empire.” Her stunning looks, flat abs, and gorgeous mane of hair had heads turning everywhere. Although she and her duet partner Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) have had their battles, don’t count their relationship down the drain. Sworn to secrecy about the forthcoming episodes of “Empire,” Serayah hinted that viewers need only to keep watching.
HHW: Last year, you attended a party for Hip Hop Weekly. We appreciate the fact that you attended. Everybody continues to talk about how we had the cutest star at our event.
SERAYAH: I enjoyed it; thank you so much for having invited me.
Lee Daniels talking about you at a recent press event. He was raving over how special you are. And how natural you are, especially with your hair. How did you enjoy season two of “Empire?”
SERAYAH: I am happy. It was soo much fun. It’s been great.
How has having been on the series changed your life?
I can do what I really love. And girls look up to me, which is nice.
Your look is really evolving, isn’t it? You look better and better all the time.
I keep my hair natural. Lee wanted me to keep my hair exactly how it was. People now ask me about my hair.
Everybody has a description of Lee Daniels. What has it been like working with him?
I think that he is amazing. He knows how to get the best out of you. I am so honored to work with him and he has given me so much encouragement and such a great opportunity.
We know that you have been on your grind with the recording aspect of your career, haven’t you?
Yes. I would have to say that my music career is going well.
Are you able to do other projects right now or is “Empire” keeping you busy?
Oh, no, I am definitely able to get other work and I have been auditioning for things.
What do fans ask you when they meet you?
They definitely want to know what’s going to happen on future episodes and they want to know if Hakeem and I are going to get back together.
Will you get back with him? He has another girlfriend but there’s something that seems to exist between the two of you.
Keep watching!
Are you close with your fellow castmates?
Me, Bryshere Gray and Jussie Smolett are close. We would hang out outside of set and it becomes fun and not work, it’s very natural.
How was Tiana initially supposed to be portrayed?
They said they wanted her to be very bold an unapologetic.
Like Rihanna?
They did give similarities about her doing what she wants and having power like Beyoncé. So those were two names that I could use just work off of.