Oscar and multiple Grammy Award-winning musician H.E.R. is stepping into a whole new world—and this time, she’s bringing us along for the adventure!
The incredibly talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is lending her voice to Jo in DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated new film, Forgotten Island, which hits theaters September 25. The animated adventure transports two best friends into the magical world of Nakali, a fantastical island inspired by Filipino mythology and culture.
And let me tell you, when H.E.R. sat down for a recent interview, the conversation was just as entertaining as you would expect!
From California’s “Most Talented Kid” to Grammy Winner
The conversation began with a little trip down memory lane. Before she became an Oscar and Grammy-winning superstar, H.E.R. was already turning heads as a young performer.
She revealed that at just eight years old, she won a California State Fair talent competition and was named California’s Most Talented Kid. And while she wasn’t walking around introducing herself that way, her parents certainly made sure everyone knew!
Her prize? A whopping $200.
For a young H.E.R., that was serious money! She joked that she felt like the richest eight-year-old in California. Even better, her mother still has the giant ceremonial check.
But the musical talent didn’t exactly come out of nowhere.
H.E.R. began writing poetry when she was around seven years old, and her mother encouraged her creativity so much that she gathered her poems and had them published into a book. Talk about starting young!
Some of those poems eventually became songs, including one called “Keep On,” which was all about following your dreams and refusing to give up.
Clearly, the message stuck!
A Little Huey Lewis, a Lot of Musical Talent
H.E.R. also reminisced about performing onstage with legendary musician Huey Lewis as a teenager.
She humorously recalled being at a California winery and finding herself onstage with a group of older musicians. Despite the unexpected experience, she said she had an incredible time.
And if you’ve ever watched H.E.R. perform, you already know she’s much more than a vocalist.
She plays guitar, piano, bass and drums—and when asked about her musical skills, she jokingly added the kazoo to the list!
Hey, every multi-instrumentalist needs a little kazoo moment!
Forgotten Island Is Personal
While H.E.R. has built an impressive career through music, Forgotten Island gives her an opportunity to connect with another important part of who she is: her Filipino heritage.
The film is inspired by Filipino mythology and culture, and H.E.R. voices Jo, one of two best friends who are transported to the mysterious island of Nakali. The story explores friendship, family, memory and culture while introducing audiences to Filipino folklore and mythology.
For H.E.R., being part of the project is particularly meaningful because her mother is Filipino.
She talked about how special it feels to celebrate her culture through a major animated film and to see Filipino stories and traditions represented on a global stage.
And this isn’t just a professional connection for her—it’s deeply personal.
Family, the Philippines & a Very Special Reunion
H.E.R. shared that she first traveled to the Philippines when she was very young. Then, in 2019, she brought her entire family back.
That trip became especially emotional because her mother was reunited with her sister after the two had been apart for nearly a decade.
H.E.R. described the reunion as a beautiful experience and expressed how grateful she was to have been part of bringing her family together.
Of course, once you’re in the Philippines, there’s one thing you simply cannot ignore: the food!
When asked about her favorite Filipino dish, H.E.R. immediately mentioned halo-halo.
And honestly, her description made it sound absolutely delicious!
The colorful dessert features shaved ice, ube ice cream, leche flan, evaporated milk and an assortment of chewy ingredients. She explained that “halo-halo” essentially means “mix-mix”—which she jokingly said was pretty fitting for her because she considers herself a mix of different influences and cultures.
I have to agree—that might be the perfect dessert for this conversation!
And Yes…New Music Is Coming!
Of course, no H.E.R. interview would be complete without talking about music.
Fans have been waiting for new music, and she revealed some very exciting news: she’s almost finished with her next album!
It’s been approximately five years since her last album, so naturally, the announcement was met with plenty of excitement.
But don’t expect her to reveal everything just yet.
When asked whether she had chosen a title, H.E.R. coyly kept things under wraps.
It’s a secret!
The host couldn’t resist suggesting Halo-Halo as a possible album title, especially considering the themes of culture, identity and her upcoming film.
H.E.R. wasn’t giving anything away—but hey, I think we may have just given her a pretty good idea!
A New Chapter for H.E.R.
From being California’s Most Talented Kid to becoming an Oscar and Grammy-winning artist, H.E.R.’s journey has been filled with music, family, culture and plenty of creativity.
Now she’s adding animated movie star to her already impressive résumé.
Forgotten Island gives audiences a chance to experience Filipino mythology and culture through a colorful, fantastical adventure, while H.E.R.’s upcoming music promises another exciting chapter in her artistic journey.
I absolutely loved hearing her talk about her childhood, her family and the cultural connection behind this new project. And knowing that she’s almost ready to drop a new album? Okay, H.E.R.—we’re listening!
Forgotten Island arrives in theaters September 25, 2026.
H.E.R. wearing a black silk jacket and skirt set designed by Tom Ford for the Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2002 collection, cute!
Disney/Randy Holmes)
The post H.E.R. on Being California’s Most Talented Kid, Favorite Filipino Food & New Movie Forgotten Island appeared first on Talking With Tami.
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