Pop star Ciara talks family, touts Chicago talent

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara co-hosted the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night.

But the pop star was just in Chicago in March for the annual "WE Day" celebration. She hit the stage like a lightning bolt when she performed at Allstate Arena in the north suburbs.

"Chicago is so amazing," Ciara said during her March visit. "It's so beautiful. It's got everything in one, in Chicago. Really good food, I have to say. It's awesome. And the dancing is also really good here too."

She said Windy City performers are especially impressive.

"My good friend Missy Elliot hipped me to the Chicago dancers years ago and we used some of them in the video we did together," Ciara said. "Chicago is amazing just great people. And one of my drummers is from Chicago, too. So it's awesome."

She chatted with ABC7 briefly backstage at Allstate Arena, where she performed for young people who are making a difference in their communities.

For Ciara, hosting the Billboard awards is a highlight in a soaring career which has seen her go from music to acting and modeling and her own business enterprises.

However, being a mother to her two year-old son is No. 1 priority.

"To my child, I want him to be a gentleman. That's really important to me, you know. Treat the woman right. I want him to be a leader. Be tough and be a man that can be strong for your household one day," Ciara said.

She talked about the possibility of her own son going into show business.

"I want to encourage him to do whatever he desires, I was one of those kids who was very fortunate enough to have that opportunity in my household. That's how I found out I was going to be an entertainer and I'm thankful for the support that I had. So I want to give my child that same opportunity."

as she begins work on her seventh album, ciara has these words for people in chicago who have faced adversity.

"I've heard a lot more 'Nos' than 'Yesses' along the way in my career," Ciara said in March. "You know about what I can't do and won't do. I was able to overcome those things and use it as motivation."

She continued: "I was a big dreamer and I believe in my dreams and because of that, I'm able to stand her and talk to you!"

In March, Ciara said she can't wait to get back to Chicago, especially when she has some down time to get a real chance to enjoy the city.