How Andrea Bowled Over Mr Musicals

IN THE SPOTLIGHT… ANDREA ROSS

NOT many girls can boast that Andrew Lloyd Webber was so blown away by her karaoke singing that she was offered a record deal – but Andrea Ross can.

The American actress and singer, who is only 15, was obsessed with Cats when she was seven, and soon knew every word to The Lion King. Her debut album, Moon River, was produced by the famous composer, and is out on Monday March 5.

You were picked out from obscurity. How are you finding it?

“It’s been really fun actually, a little overwhelming right now, but in a good way. I’m excited. It’s been a whirlwind. When I think back to two years ago when I was signed, it seemed like it was only yesterday.

Did you work very closely with Andrew for the album?

“Yes. He was in the studio every day. That’s unheard of. The people there were really surprised that he was there so much, but I think it was because he wanted it to go in a certain direction and wanted to have a hand in it.

“It was so amazing to have him there and to give notes.

I got used to him being around, though at first I was nervous whenever he was there. To have your idol working with you is an amazing gift.”

Has he mentioned the possibility of a role in one of his West End shows?

“He has mentioned a bunch of different things in conversation, but I’m also very young at the same time. There aren’t many roles for people my age, and he’s aware of that. That has always been a struggle for him to find things for me. He has said to me that he knows that I can carry the songs but my age makes it hard for him to cast me into certain roles.”

Your album is full of covers. Did you find it hard to put your own take?

“It was definitely a challenge doing cover songs, but we were able to do much newer renditions of them. It was hard to make it my own, and not do the same thing that everyone’s heard a bunch of times, but there was something exciting and scary to have to take it on. It helped having advice from the producers, Andrew and Nigel Wright.”

Are you still studying?

“Yes, I wouldn’t let myself down any other way.

Education is so important, and it’s important to be respected for that. I want to continue with my education and go to college, even if it means taking a year out. It’s hard as I’m missing a lot of school but my school is very supportive.”

And do you feel like you’re missing out on a typical teen life?

“I have to make a lot of sacrifices – I can’t go out every weekend, I have to miss a lot of school, and I don’t have a normal high school experience.

“I have a boyfriend, and we’ve been going out for almost three months. He’s one of the best basketball players in the New England area, and is tall – he’s 6’7 while I am 5’4.”

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