Pop is definitely not what it used to be. Just ask 17-year-old Stacie Orrico. She has hit mainstream stardom because of her talent, not because of a skimpy wardrobe.

Orrico is the newest, youngest and definitely hottest female artist to define the boundaries between pop and R&B. Recently, I was fortunate enough to set up a phone interview with this young talent while she was on tour in Florida. She not only gave me insight into her religious beliefs, but also a general idea of who Stacie Orrico really is. She is sweet, compassionate and very genuine. Although she acts older than her age, she was quite goofy on the phone, and I felt like I was talking to one of my best friends — a very sociable person to say the least.

Being around the same age, I noticed that Orrico's inspirations for many of her songs were issues I had dealt with myself. She seemed very inspired by her faith, and it became clear that family was one of the most important parts of her life.

“My faith is the biggest part of my life," says Orrico. "As a Christian, everything I deal with eventually pertains to faith because God is the center of my life. It allows me to treat people the way they want to be treated.”

Orrico's career launched at the age of 12. She was a singer in her church's gospel choir and even her school's choir. Her parents were anything but the “showbiz” type and never pressured her into anything. Orrico was actually quite unsure if she even wanted a musical career, but when her brother noticed his sister's talent he soon persuaded her to give it a try.

“My parents made sure I wasn't too lonely on the road, yet allowed me to have the freedom I needed to be independent," Orrico says. "Any good parents would be concerned no matter how much they trusted their kid. They are 100 percent supportive.”

At the age of 12, Orrico performed in a vocal competition and was soon picked up by Christian music label Forefront. While at the competition, Orrico was introduced to Roy Lott, president of Virgin Records. The minute he saw this fresh, new talent, he was interested and a year and a half later, he signed her over to Virgin Records. Two years later, she released her first CD “Genuine,” which sold over 500,000 copies and was No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.

By the time Orrico was in high school, her résumé was growing as well as her appeal. At the age of 15, she was asked to open for Destiny's Child. Her “Sweet 16” was even sweeter when she went double platinum in Japan while holding her ground in more than 11 other countries. In America, her music videos are top requests, her face is plastered on teen magazines, and her music can be heard anywhere from The Roxy in L.A. to MTV's “TRL” in New York.

Sexuality is a huge part of the media and is sometimes the only thing people want to see. However, Orrico has the ability to combine looks and glamour with talent and mass appeal. She describes her style as being rather eclectic: anywhere from grungy and urban-inspired to girlie with a classy flair. Orrico admitted she is quite laid back and enjoys being comfortable. She joked that it was hard to become “glamorous” (three hours in makeup) when she herself doesn't spend more than ten minutes a day on makeup.

"The industry is so set in the way things have to be. If you're a teen pop artist, they automatically think you should take off your clothes and be the next big sex symbol," says Orrico. "I wanted to do something different and not just sell records with my chest. To me it's about the passion in your music, not your looks or how well you can dance.”

Orrico has been compared to such contrasting artists as Christina Aguilera, Nelly Furtado and Gwen Stefani, but Orrico's influences include Lauren Hill, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Her love of soulful music is evident throughout her self-titled CD, "Stacie Orrico." Many of her R&B grooves were created by hitmakers Dallis Austin (Pink, TLC) and the Underdogs (Tyrese). She is able to not only produce soft, creamy ballads, but also funky, exuberant hits.

Orrico's voice is clear and beautiful, and there is a pure, genuine quality in her music. Her faith echoes throughout the CD like a silent melody and is very inspiring. The typical pop clichés are non-existent. Her love of music as an art form is evident as well as her soulful personality. Unlike other pop stars of the past, her voice is powerful, but not overly produced. Each song brings a new topic to the table, making the album a very strong and consistent piece of work.

Orrico states that her new song, “More Than This,” is about that ultimate fulfillment in life. In her video, directed by Dave Myers, she portrays a trailer park mom, an athlete and a supermodel, to name a few. The theme is that people try so hard to be happy that they find this “fulfillment” in all the wrong places.

“Everybody goes through times when they feel empty. People can spend years striving for things that don't really make them happy," says Orrico. "Why spend all that time and energy and realize it's not that great? With time, people will achieve that true happiness.”

“Strong Enough” is a powerful track that showcases one of the most solid vocal performances on the CD. The piano is a beautiful touch that works perfectly with Orrico's soft whispering at the beginning. Although inspired by religion, many girls could relate this song to a former love. The lyrics, the piano and the music were all put together by Orrico.

“Will my weakness for an hour/ make me suffer for a lifetime/ Is there any way to be made whole again,/ if I'm healed, renewed and find forgiveness,/ find the strength I've never had,/ will my scars ruin all God's plans?” read the lyrics of “Strong Enough.”

“Security” is a cheery song celebrating new love. The music is very animated with a slew of different ranges and a sexy, fun-loving appeal. It's about the excitement of finding that love, and how the world seems brighter with that love in your life.

And even this pop diva has dreams about marrying a certain rock star — what girl doesn't? Early on in Orrico's career she got a chance to share the stage with Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. She not only suffered from being star struck, but officially named Goo Goo Dolls her favorite band.

“I really don't have time to date, but I would make time for one if I wanted," says Orrico. "I'm a 17-year-old girl just enjoying traveling and these opportunities I have been lucky enough to receive. I'm willing to wait for a guy that means something!”

The last track on the album is a soft and refined ballad that brings the whole CD to a final heart-felt conclusion. The song is all about helping and loving. It seems to epitomize Orrico's views on the world and her charitable personality.

“I want to be a good role model and just encourage, challenge and give people hope. I hope to be that person that uses their success for something good," she says. "My mentors have helped me along the way, and I hope to return that favor to others someday.”

Beautiful on the inside and out, Orrico epitomizes what a singer should be. With breathtaking vocals and a smile that warms hearts, Orrico is on her way to stardom one big step at a time.

-Return to December 2003 Issue-