As "Fame" week continues on Hollywood Crush, we want you to get to know as many of the High School of Performing Arts' magnetic personalities as possible (just yesterday, you said hello to dancer Kevin, and a while back rich girl Alice introduced herself). So today, meet Denise (Naturi Naughton). She's well-mannered, studious and really good at tickling the ivory. The only problem is that Denise is dying to break out of her shell and explore the world of a music in a way that she's never been able to before, but she's not sure she even knows how. "Denise is extremely shy," notes Naturi. "She actually comes from a very sheltered background. Her parents want her to be a classical pianist and [Denise] is so focused on that — to please her parents initially — and she's not following her heart."
That "Fame" complex that seems to take over most of the students in these halls eventually sets in, and thanks to a powerful solo performance of "Out Here On My Own," Denise realizes she needs to find her own path. The song (which can also be found on the "Fame" soundtrack) is about figuring out who you are, Naturi explains. "That's kind of what happens ... eventually [Denise] convinces [her parents] and says, 'Look, whether you like it or not, classical music is not who I am. It's singing and being an artist and being R&B. That's what makes me light up, that's what makes me feel good.' And she goes for it and she's really good." Press play below to hear more from Naturi, and get ready to follow her dream come this Friday when "Fame" is released.
