This article is part of a series in celebration of a new, dynamic voice in Black America: the NUBIANO Exchange. Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience. 

Every now and again, America is blessed with a talent so bright that its glimmer is inescapable. In 2003, this rare phenomenon occurred, when Tiffany Evans was introduced to the world on Star Search, the predecessor to media juggernaut American Idol. Although Evans was only ten at the time, her performance has stood the test of time against her fellow contemporaries (Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and the late Aaliyah).  She is the only singer in Star Search history to receive a perfect, five-star score on every appearance.

Since being crowned as Star Search’s Junior Division Grand Champion, Tiffany Evans has spent much of her time out of the limelight—honing her skills, earning a diploma and making select appearances on the silver screen.  In early 2008, however, at the age of 15, Evans re-emerged on the R&B scene, with the support of Ciara, her mentor, and “big brother” Bow Wow—showcasing a mature version of her earlier self on hit singles “Promise Ring” and “I’m Grown.”

On April 22, 2008 , Tiffany Evans released her major label debut on Columbia Records.  Upon review of her eponymous album, Tiffany Evans managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Blogcritics' own Clayton Perry— reflecting on life, family and, of course, music.

After your success on Star Search, you were signed to Columbia Records and set to release an EP in 2004. What happened to that?

Tiffany Evans:  I was very young.  I was this little girl with a big voice, and my body did not match my voice yet.  They wanted to wait until I developed a bit to start singing about realistic stuff.  That was my deal with them, so I waited.  I was doing little shows and everything like that, but nothing too big. And then, in 2005 and early 2006, we started getting our stuff together and recording more songs. We had to wait.  And I’m so glad that we waited, because I had the opportunity to take the time off to finish school.  I felt like I was ready then, but right now, I feel like I really am.  It was hard on my family during that time.  But I’m definitely loved a lot and I received my diploma in ’06.  I know more than I used to know and I just feel better now.  You know, there’s a time when everything is supposed to happen and I believe that it’s all on time. So I’m happy with everything that’s going on right now.