The CW Source

Adrianna and Gia have recently taken their relationship to the next level. What can you tell us about the future of their relationship?
Well, Ade has definitely started questioning her sexuality and has found herself very connected to Gia. She has never really gone down this path before, but she’s going to just go there and announce it in a very dramatic way, which she has done with other personal events in the past. I feel very fortunate to be telling this story line, because I think it really is an important issue for kids today. I don’t have personal experience with it, but I’ve tried to stay as true to the issue as I can.

Will things get tense in the band between Ade and Lila?
Definitely a little awkward, there’s a little bit of tension. Obviously Navid is still in the picture and no one can really compete with their history

It’s been great to see her character making good on staying away from drugs. Is this a commitment she’ll be able to keep this time?
You’ll have to watch and see! She has a very addictive personality, she’s addicted to the highs and lows that come with drug use, so that’s a problem for her.

It seems like Adrianna has dealt with some of the most traumatic aspects of the teenage experience. How do you prepare to confront things like drug abuse and teen pregnancy in your acting?
I’ve made it a point to make it as truthful as possible. I was just a guest star in the first seven episodes, so I didn’t really know my fate on the show. When I was giving the drug-addiction story line I really wanted to make it truthful. I met with addicts, I was so moved by their stories and I grew from the experience. I watched a lot of movies and documentaries about drug addiction and just learned as much as I could. With the pregnancy, I watched a lot of the Baby Story (laughs). I talked to my mom, my aunt, a lot of women who had been pregnant. I just tried to put myself in that situation. It’s the same thing with the Gia storyline, I’ve been attracted to a man before, and I can’t imagine having to feel guilty for that attraction. It’s about not being afraid of who you are, and I think the writers did an amazing job addressing that

Will we hear any more about Adrianna’s daughter?
I think there’ll definitely be some mention of it because that’s a huge thing to happen to somebody. It’s something she’s been avoiding, pushing to the back of her mind because she’s kind of scared of the consequences. And music is going to be a great outlet for her, a healthy outlet, which she has Gia to thank for.

You’re also pursuing a music career yourself, right?
Yes, that’s why it’s been so great getting to perform in the show with the Glorious Steinems. The show actually bought two of my songs which they’re going to use in the upcoming episodes.

Which songs?
They’re called Stamp of Love and Haven’t Been Drinking.

What are your influences as a musician?
The biggest influence from a young age is my mom -- she used to play piano and I remember growing up and listening to her. I also like Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Rihanna, but I like incorporating the piano into it. Since I grew up with it, I just love the sound of piano.

Can you relate at all to Adrianna’s love-hate relationship with acting and getting into the industry at a young age?
I love acting, I’ve been wanting to do it since I was 3, but I’m a very creative person. I always say if acting was to go away tomorrow, god forbid, I’d have to be doing something creative to fill in. I got into acting when I was 15, and the day I got my driver’s license I drove to L.A., I was just so excited. It’s hard starting out, but I’m someone who kind of thrives under pressure. Yes, L.A. is full of rejection, but I don’t let it get to me, I try to stay positive. It’s something I’m excited and passionate about and I love it. It never feels like work.

We saw that you recently were on the catwalk in Toronto for Heart Truth’s red dress collection. How did it feel to be up there?
Yes, I was in Toronto, I’ve been everywhere lately! The show was for raising awareness for The Heart Truth campaign, which addresses heart disease and stroke in women in Canada. I never walked in a fashion show before and I was so nervous about tripping or messing up! But it all went really well and I had a great time. I also learned a lot about the issue, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death of women. It was a really great event to participate in.