Victoria Justice: New show, new look, new life

Photo by Jon McKee

Victoria Justice’s life has been one “crazy ride.” Her performance in the “Suite Life of Zach and Cody” led to additional bookings including, “Zoey 101″ and “iCarly.” This 17-year-old is now leading 2010 with her own musical show called, “Victorious.” “The network had always been really kind to me,” Justice explains, “I’m very grateful to Dan Schneider (Producer and Creator of “Victorious”).”

It all started with a dinner that including Justice, her mother, and Schneider. “We just started talking and I told him that I had been in a musical theater program in middle school. That’s how the came up with the idea.” Justice stars as Tori Vega who attends a performing arts high school in Hollywood. Tori Vega isn’t “the most popular or the most confident. She’s trying to figure things out, just like the rest of us.”

With original music done by the cast, Justice was able to show off her singing talent. “I had never performed on a stage before singing by myself,” she begun, “I was really nervous until I took the stage and heard the music…I loved it.” Justice isn’t afraid of taking a challenge, the success is always worth the struggle.

“Victorious” is about high school students who are all trying to “figure it out.” Life is faced, and issues occur. Yet with situations that may face a character in an uncomfortable position, conquering that small battle may lead to a the development of a stronger character. The show is also entertaining as “it has a lot of comedy and great musical performances.”

When Justice signed on to the new Nickelodeon show, Sony offered her a record deal. She is “thrilled to really tap into that creative side” and express herself through music and lyrics.

Justice’s role in the “Suite Life…” boosted her career greatly. “The Sprouse twins and I are still very close friends” and still see each other frequently. Her career provided more fame and perks, but nevertheless, Justice remains the “same.” “I still have chores to do at home like everyone else and I have a curfew.”

Photo by Jon McKee

How are you able to remain sane and humble in such a hard industry?

I have a great family and amazing friends around me. My mom has always taught me that in the big scheme of things, that I’m not anymore special than the next person. She says, “That to our families and close friends, we’re all special.” I also realize that it’s a job, and one that I’m very lucky to have. I’m thankful to be working now, but it could all go away tomorrow, and that it would be okay if it did.

What do you hope to achieve this year and the coming years?

I just achieved one of my goals for this year and that was to get my driver’s permit. I just passed the day before my birthday, so that was very cool. I’m also looking forward to passing my driving test in six months and getting a regular license.

Professional goals would be to really start working on my music, (writing more), when the show wraps in April. As for the coming years, I always want to keep working on the craft to be the best actor that I can be. The same goes for music. I just want to keep learning and trying new things. I just would like to keep working on projects that I’d be proud of.

And you’re friends with Taylor Lautner. Have you two been able to hang out since? It must be quite a while.

I haven’t seen Taylor in awhile…I saw him was in Vancouver about a year ago [and] I saw him briefly at the “Teen Choice Awards,” last year. He’s been pretty busy lately.

What are some shows you’re obsessed with?

I love “American Idol” and “Glee.”

Movies and actors you hope to see these coming months?

I’m really looking forward to seeing Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s collaboration in the remake of, “Alice in Wonderland.” The colors look amazing and it’s going to be in 3-D.