Keri Hilson

IN A perfect world, Keri Hilson would have met and worked with Michael Jackson, got rid of poverty, ensured that everyone pursued their passion and, to top it off, would have a man - one who is dark, handsome and taller than her, with just the right amount of swagger.

Sadly, we live in an era when Michael Jackson can no longer physically thrill us, poverty is on the rise and men who fit the description (like yours truly) are taken, not ready for commitment or hard to come by.

She says she hasn't been fazed by the glare of stardom or moved by the mind-numbing force that comes with being successful. She's still that girl from the south (Decatur, Georgia, United States of America) who has always had dreams of making it big. It also says that in an industry filled with head-shaving women, who are more than willing to bare all in order to taste success, she still has a clear head.

Speaking via telephone from Liverpool, England, where she recently toured with Ne-Yo, Saturday Life got close with the chanteuse in this candid interview and found out that there's more to Keri Hilson than meets the eye.

... The artiste

You're not a newbie to the scene but not a veteran just yet. If given a full-page ad, how would you sell yourself in six words or less?

Keri Hilson: Hmm (laughs). Umm, real, vulnerable, emotional, electric, hard-working and passionate.

One of the first songs off your album, Energy, speaks about a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Did art imitate life?

KH: Yes, it did, it definitely did. And I had to learn when to walk about a woman trapped in an abusive relationship.

Did art imitate life?

KH: Yes, it did, it definitely did. And I had to learn when to walk away. It becomes too draining and you just have to know when to stop and let go. Unfortunately, it took heartbreak after heartbreak for me to get that.

Before you launched your career as an artiste, you were known as a songwriter, but if you could choose, what's the one song you wish you kept?

KH: There was a song I did for Danity Kane about safe sex, called Right Now. I loved that song because of the message and I definitely don't believe in casual sex. So, yeah, if I had the choice, I'd wish I were the vessel to bring across that message.

In ascending order, starting at the most listened, name the five songs that you are currently rocking on your iPod while on tour.

KH: Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson; A Beautiful World by Robin Thicke; Lauryn Hill, featuring D'Angelo - Nothing Even Matters; Tenderoni by Bobby Brown and As Soon As I Get Home by Faith Evans.

Speaking of the tour, what's it like working with Ne-Yo?

KH: It's really great; he's a really sweet and a very hard-working person. He's extremely humble, as big a star as he is and, I mean big, like in Japan they go crazy for him and here he still stays humble. I've known him before he began singing so it's just really cool to see the transition from what I knew before to the mega star that he is.

... The woman

Who are your heroes and why are they your heroes?

KH: Wow, I've always said Michael Jackson was the only person I've ever idolised, long before he passed. As a musician and as a philanthropist, he can never be matched. He's bridged so many barriers in race, religion, as well as music, that I don't think anyone can even come close to him. My mother, too, she's amazing. I mean, she had five kids, ran and owned a day-care centre and still kept it all together. It's only since becoming an adult that I now realise how hard it must have been for her.

My experience has taught me that women love flowers. Do you? And how would you return the favour, if a fan sent you a bouquet of flowers?

KH: Yes, I do. I'd read the name, tweet about it on Twitter, send them a shout-out.

Funny you should mention that. What would you do if someone you knew personally sent you a bad tweet?

KH: I don't hold a candle to negativity anymore. I'd just ignore it. It wouldn't be the first time someone said something bad about me. I've never burned a bridge before. I'm just a nice person but you live and you learn.

You always seem composed and ladylike. But what's the one thing that would send you to see a shrink or beat someone down?

KH: (laughs) Yeah, you're right. It does take a lot to upset me or to be offended. Honestly, I don't know, I really don't know. I guess they would have to hurt a family member or close friend. I'm pretty protective of them.

Rumour has it you're single. If we go on a date, what could I do to make it perfect?

KH: (laughs) Yeah, I am. I'm a really simple girl. We could go bowling and have chicken fingers and pizza at the bowling alley. I'm like that. There's no need to put on a show for everyone. I like a guy who I can have real conversation with. (giggles)

... The celebrity

One rumour I've heard about you is that you're a real diva. Is it true?

KH: Absolutely not true. I guess people just don't understand the reality of being a celebrity and they have a preconceived notion about you. They think that because you carry yourself a certain way that you're such a person. I wish people would get to know me before they pass judgement.

How do you view fame? Do you believe in the need for normality or does the quest for fame come with a brand new lifestyle?

KH: Definitely, I believe in normality, because I am normal and you don't have to change when fame comes. I'm still very frugal, there's no need to buy expensive things. But fame causes a lot of changes. It's very different now when I go to the club - I can't go alone I always need security. I don't really enjoy myself. I can't drink or get to party. I'm taking pics with fans, not that I mind, but I always have to have my guard up because there are people who will want to hurt you. It's not that I care that I don't enjoy myself, it's the fact that because of this fame whenever I try to go out, it may cause other people not to.

finish these sentences

Real women ... embrace their imperfections.

Nude photos and sex tapes are ... something you will never see me in.

Real talent is ... natural.

A guy turns me off when ... he has bad hygiene.

My perfect guy ... is taller than me, smooth and handsome, with just the right amount of swag on top.

Keri Hilson's debut album, In a Perfect World, is in stores now. Check out her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/kerihilson or follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/MissKeribaby.