Willow Smith's Oprah Interview - Is She 10 Going on 40?

Last year, Willow came onto the scene and wowed everyone with her hit song “Whip My Hair.” Since then, its been a whirlwind of appearances, performances, and interviews for the sassy young singer. On Tuesday afternoon, millions of views tuned in to watch the Oprah Winfrey show with new artist Willow Smith as her guest. Willow, 10, is the daughter of famous actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Oprah’s theme for this episode was named the All-Time Smartest, Most Talented Kids episode.

Smith entertained audiences everywhere as she took to the stage while performing her new single, “21^st Century Girl.” This track definitely resembles the type of song that recording artist Rihanna would sing. In fact, it is interesting that Willows eccentric style reflects sort of the same character that Rihanna embodies. It seems that the character extends to personality as well.

Willow managed to exude tons of confidence while on the stage. What I found interesting about the interview between Oprah and Willow was the way in which Willow addressed a full grown adult. Here is a text excerpt of their interview:

What does “Whip My Hair” mean?

First of all, whipping my hair is the new, “I am me.” I don’t know what you are doing but I’m me. It’s an anthem about being yourself and not caring what other people think about you. Just do what you feel is right for you.

Do you like singing, dancing or acting better?
I think I incorporate it in all that I’m doing because when you’re on the stage, you’re playing to the crowd; you’re acting toward the crowd. You’re giving them the face, so that they scream.

Click here to read more of the interview:

What’s an average day in your life like now? I wake up, ballet class, school, come home [and] record.

Looking [from the outside] in, your life looks like a dream life, is it?
It’s a lot of work but it’s like 50 percent work and 102 percent fun.

How do you handle the fame now? Has it ever been a problem?
Sometimes, I take this from my mom but I just want to be alone.

You’re a fashionista now, Is it better to be on the best dressed list then the not so best dressed list?
It doesn’t make a difference.

What does your closet look like? Is it huge? 
Giiiiirl. No, it’s like from here to there.

The interview has painted Willow in a different light and many have taken to their social networks to comment on this issue. Some people are questioning the parenting skills of Will and Jada. It is quite common for child stars to be given more independence. However, the results are less than favorable (case in point – Miley, Lindsay, Brittany, and now Christina).

There is nothing wrong with having a fierce and fun personality, but a line should be drawn somewhere. Willow’s ability to hold a conversation with an adult was admirable. Yet, there is a level of respect that a child should always have with an adult. Willow was not talking with her friends. The children of today have issues with respecting elders and I feel that is a shame. This was not an informal conversation, but an interview. Some even say that this shows a lack of humbleness on her part. Being born into wealth should not exempt you from following rules and etiquette of society.

I would never presume to predict a child’s future because there are many child stars who managed to stay grounded and follow a positive path (i.e., Raven Seymone). My hope is that someone grooms her to be a more professional speaker that respects the person who is interviewing her. Willow has a platform to be a great role model to children everywhere. No, she is not a ‘prodigy’ talent, but she has the opportunity to live her dreams. I look forward to seeing Willow Smith’s development and the way in which she conducts herself in the future.