Grace V

Grace V is taking over the clubs with her first single "When the Lights Go Down," produced by Randy Jackson. Grace was in Chicago over the weekend at Roscoe's where she performed for the enthusiastic crowd. GoPride.com went backstage for a quick interview after the show with the Moscow-born pop songstress.

JN: (Jerry Nunn) Hi, Grace. You just finished performing?

GV: (Grace V) Yes, you have perfect timing. I am just catching my breath.

JN: What does the V stand for?

GV: Victory! V is victorious.

JN: So it is nothing to do with your real name?

GV: No. Nothing…

JN: You were born in Moscow?

GV: Yes and I moved to Los Angeles this past October. It has been nine months since I moved to LA.

JN: What do you think of LA?

GV: I liked it a lot. I have been to New York City also and I am in love with it. I just love the United States and feel like I should be here.

JN: You have to take it over! So this is your first time in Chicago?

GV: Yes, it is first time. I like this city so much. It is so beautiful and clean. I hope I can come back soon.

JN: How did you meet Randy Jackson?

GV: It is an interesting story. I moved to Los Angeles in October. JK Music Group discovered me and invited me to come.

They are partners with Randy Jackson. When I came to LA then I met with Randy. He heard me singing and we started thinking about the project. We found songs and came to the studio, recorded them and everything started.

JN: How was it working with him?

GV: It was great. He's amazing. He gives me advice. I feel like he is my father here. He is so supportive and he believes in me. That's what matters. This is important to me.

JN: Did you watch American Idol?

GV: I did. I watched it in Russia for a few seasons. When I moved to LA the last season had started. It is amazing. It is fun to watch other singers.

JN: His label is still new right?

GV: His dance label is new and called DreamMerchant21. As I know only three artists are signed right now. He will sign more and more so this is his new baby. It will grow, grow and expand.

JN: That must be exciting to be a select few.

GV: Yes and we will be a big family from different countries and different styles of music.

JN: What did you think of the video for "When the Lights Go Down?"

GV: I love it (laughs)! I had so much fun shooting the video. Brian Friedman and Chan Andre directed it. They are amazing and so cool. I am so happy that I worked with them. When I went on the set at first I was scared because it was new to me. I had to be such a fierce Grace. I had never been fierce in my life. So it was a new experience and it was fun. I was enjoying every moment.

JN: You have two more singles coming out?

GV: Yes, right now we are working on my new single. It will be released in September I think. I have a few more singles already recorded. So everything is moving!

JN: Where does your fashion come from?

GV: My fashion comes from my stylists. Marina Toybina from Glaza did the style for my video for "When the Lights Go Down." We found out that it is better for me to wear dresses with sparkly things, gloves, so girly and so fierce. I love it, this is me.

JN: What are your plans for the future?

GV: I will perform in New York City in August. I will then have a few shows in Los Angeles. So I hope to travel more and perform in different states of the United States. I would enjoy that. I want to make my fans happy!

For more on Grace V visit www.graceofficial.com.