Dancer, singer, and performer are just a few words that come to mind when describing eight-year-old showstopper, Asia Monet Ray. I spoke with the talented triple threat about her singing career, her time on DANCE MOMS, her new show, RAISING ASIA, and the people who inspire her in the industry.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away from dancing on ABBY’S ULTIMATE DANCE COMPETITION?
Asia Monet Ray: I learned that practice makes perfect! Abby is a very strict dance teacher but she does get perfection when she made us practice, practice, practice!
How different is it having your own show as opposed to being on an already established show such as DANCE MOMS?
I actually like having my own TV show better than being on someone else’s show because it involves my entire family and things that I love doing. Plus I get to sleep in my own bed. Everyone is working towards the same goal of helping me to become a “triple threat” and it brings us closer together. Thankfully I have a strong family because it gets pretty crazy at times.
What can we look forward to with your singing career?
Right now it’s very exciting because this is the first time I’m actually singing songs and doing music that I like. My music is a blend of R&B and Pop…it really allows me to express who I am as an artist. I’m hoping to play some really big venues, travel around the world, and share my music with all my fans. Most of all, I’m really looking forward to my first music video!
What is your favorite dance performance that we will get to see on the show?
My very first performance the “Lion Tamer!” This one was really fun because I got to really express myself as a performer using props with all male dancers that are older and more experienced in performing. Plus I was working with one of the best choreographers in the business, Anthony Burrell, who is simply amazing! This takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the “World Of Dance” in front of thousands of fans.
Who are some people in the entertainment industry that inspire you?
There are a lot of great performers that inspire me, but the ones I really look up to are performers like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, and Lady Gaga. These people are not just singers they are awesome entertainers and dancers. They are also amazing personalities and role models.
What sparked your love for dancing, singing, and acting?
I’ve always been very active from a very young age. I think from the time I first heard music I was dancing. The next thing I knew I was in gymnastics at like 18 months old. By 2 1/2 I was ice skating and dancing! They’re all very different but have a lot of similarities, which I loved. What I liked the most was performing in front of people. I’m sort of a ham who enjoys the spotlight!
What has been the best part of having your own show?
I think the best part of having my own show is that people get to see me practice, prepare, perform, and dress-up. I like the fact that people get to see a lot of my family and how we deal with pressure and the stress of performing. They also get to see the amount of preparation that goes into a performance. What I like most of all, though, is the fact that it’s about me! It allows me to share my journey with other kids watching at home who may be a little bit shy or confused about what they want to do with their life or how the process works. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do while loving every minute of it, and now I have my own show to share with everybody. My parents always taught me that if I put God first everything else will come and now it looks like my dreams are coming true.
What can we look forward to on this week’s episode of RAISING ASIA?
Production doesn’t tell us much about what’s coming up next but I will say this: I think my dad is going to have it out with my manager, Billy, and things could get ugly. It’s going to be a wild ride and you won’t want to miss it! 
Make sure to check out Asia’s EP now available at iTunes and for all news on RAISING ASIA follow Asia on twitter at @AsiaMonetRay. You can watch RAISING ASIA tonight at 10:00 on Lifetime.
Victoria Nelli loves TV so much that she is paying $30,000 a year to learn about it in College. When she’s not learning about TV she enjoys writing about her favorite shows, interviewing anyone in the industry that will let her, and ranting about how underrated Parks and Recreation is. She is very much aware of her Netflix addiction, and no she will not be seeking help anytime soon. You can follow her on Twitter @VictoriaNelli