Ciara is an American singer, songwriter and dancer. She is best known for her quadruple-platinum 2004 debut album Goodies, its singles “Goodies” and “1, 2 Step,” and her chart-topping 2006 album Ciara: The Evolution. She now releases music on her own label, Beauty Marks, and her most recent project, CiCi, came out in 2025.
Many people search for Ciara because of the mid-2000s run that made her one of the defining voices of Atlanta’s crunk&B sound. The single “Goodies” shot up the charts in the summer of 2004. Her dancing is often compared to Michael and Janet Jackson’s, and many later R&B and K-pop acts have had their image or style compared to hers.
Ciara profile
| Full name | Ciara Princess Wilson (née Harris) |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1985, Fort Hood, Texas, United States |
| Age | 41 (as of November 2026) |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress |
| Genres | R&B, pop, hip-hop |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | LaFace, Sho’nuff, Jive, Epic, Warner Bros., Beauty Marks |
| Known for | Goodies (2004), Ciara: The Evolution (2006), “1, 2 Step,” “Love Sex Magic” (2009) |
| Major awards | Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video (“Lose Control,” 2006) |
How did Ciara start in music?
Ciara grew up as an army brat, moving between several states before her family settled in College Park, Georgia, near Atlanta. In her mid-teens she formed the all-girl group Hearsay with two friends; the group recorded demos but later split up. She then signed a publishing deal as a songwriter and, while writing songs, met the producer Jazze Pha, who signed her to his Sho’nuff label.
After she graduated from high school in 2003, Jazze Pha introduced her to LaFace Records executive L.A. Reid, who signed her. Work on her debut album ran from 2002 to 2004.
What is Ciara best known for?
Ciara is best known for Goodies. The title single came out in June 2004 and rose to the top of the charts very quickly. The album followed in September 2004 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. It produced three hits: “Goodies,” “1, 2 Step” and “Oh.” The RIAA later certified it quadruple platinum, and it earned Ciara two nominations at the 48th Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. That same night she won Best Short Form Music Video for Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” on which she was featured.
Ciara: The Evolution came out in December 2006. It reached No. 1 in the US, was certified platinum and included the hit “Promise.” Fantasy Ride (2009) produced “Love Sex Magic,” featuring Justin Timberlake, which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, made the top ten in several other countries and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Basic Instinct (2010) debuted at No. 44 on the Billboard 200. Critics praised its production and compared it to Janet Jackson’s early work.
What is Ciara doing now?
Ciara now runs her own career through Beauty Marks Entertainment, the company she launched in 2017. Before that, she signed with Epic Records, which brought her back together with L.A. Reid. Her self-titled fifth album came out in July 2013, and its lead single was “Body Party.” Her sixth album, Jackie, followed in 2015.
Ciara signed with Warner Bros. Records in January 2017. Beauty Marks, released on May 10, 2019, was her first independent album. Her EP CiCi followed in 2023, and she expanded it into her eighth studio album, also titled CiCi, released on August 22, 2025.
Selected albums by Ciara
| Year | Album | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Goodies | Studio album |
| 2006 | Ciara: The Evolution | Studio album |
| 2009 | Fantasy Ride | Studio album |
| 2010 | Basic Instinct | Studio album |
| 2012 | Playlist: The Very Best of Ciara | Compilation |
| 2013 | Ciara | Studio album |
| 2015 | Jackie | Studio album |
| 2019 | Beauty Marks | Studio album |
FAQ
– What was Ciara’s first album?
Ciara’s first album was Goodies, released in September 2004. It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and the RIAA later certified it quadruple platinum.
– What are Ciara’s best-known songs?
Ciara’s best-known songs include “Goodies,” “1, 2 Step” and “Love Sex Magic.” The first two came from her 2004 debut album.
– Is Ciara still making music?
Yes, Ciara is still making music. Her latest project, CiCi, came out in 2025 on her own label, Beauty Marks.
– How old is Ciara?
Ciara was born on October 25, 1985. She is 41 years old (as of November 2026).