Singer-songwriter Christina Milian signed a contract with Def Jam records at age 19, shot to stardom with her hit single “Dip It Low” a few years later, and now has opened up her life to fans with her new reality show, “Christina Milian Turned Up.” The show provides a candid look at the Grammy-nominated singer’s career, her close-knit Cuban-American family and her role as a mom to 4-year-old Violet.
FOX411: What's the significance of the show's title "Turned Up"?
Christina Milian: Take everything to the next level and have fun doing it. No limits, no rules!
FOX411: Getting your nipple pierced on-camera looked so painful. What was it like sharing that experience with the world?
Milian: The camera part there was crazy for me. Otherwise I have been saying for years I wanted to do it. It definitely hurt but I figured if my mom was going to try something she's never done but talked about for years [getting a tattoo], then I should do that same thing.
FOX411: Your relationship with your mom and sisters Lizzy and Carmen is so sweet to watch -- and entertaining. Three sisters and a strong outspoken yet supportive mother is somewhat similar to another famous family -- the Kardashians. How do you feel about being compared to them?
Milian: It's understandable. We are definitely not offended. We like their show and their dynamic -- plus they're very successful. Of course, we are different people with a different upbringing. But like any group of siblings we all have different character traits and our mom is big on ‘family first.’ We've always been like this, so it's interesting to watch and see that we aren't the only ones who work in a family setting. I guess what makes their show work is that their family is relatable to everyone in some way or another. And I think we are too.
FOX411: Your show has a depth to it that other reality shows don't necessarily have. What's the main thing you want viewers to learn or take away from it?
Milian: We face challenges every day both big and small. But regardless we are always ready for any obstacle, and we have each other to stay grounded, grow together and for comfort. Our memories growing up are what built our foundation. I think we are proof to never give up. None of us are perfect, and we're okay with making fun of our flaws.
FOX411: You have said you left "The Voice" to work on your own music. What was it like working as the social media correspondent for such a popular show for three seasons?
Milian: It was great. It was very inspiring and an honor to have met and work with the coaches and producers. It's a fun set to be on.
FOX411: Your daughter, Violet, is so adorable! How do you balance being a mom with being a reality star, singer, and more? How do you find time for it all?
Milian: Thank you! Yeah she's my sunshine. She's the reason why I work as hard as I do now. Sometimes I'm extremely busy and we don't have enough time in a day to spend as I wish, but she's understanding that mommy has to make sacrifices in order for her to have a great life. When we are together I make the most of it, and that's what is important -- making our time quality. My nanny, family and friends are also very helpful. But I mentally prepare myself to have as much energy as possible to fulfill everything I need to in a day.
FOX411: What's the one piece of advice you have for young people who are trying to launch their music career?
Milian: Never give up. Never stop being creative in finding ways to get exposure. Also, prepared anytime and all the time. You never know who you will run into.
“Christina Milian Turned Up" airs Sundays at 10 pm on E!.