Child star That Girl Lay Lay sat down with Big Tigger of Audacy's V-103 in Atlanta to talk about the biggest career shift of her life yet: becoming an adult!
The jump from 11 to 18 years old is huge for everyone, but for rapper and Nickelodeon star That Girl Lay Lay, growing up has been a feat of its own. In her visit to the V-103 studio, Lay Lay sat down with the Big Tigger Morning Show to talk all things tour, music, and becoming a young professional rather than a child star. “You know, the transition has been a little rough because people still know me as little Lay Lay, so it's hard for them to see me all grown up now,” the youngster noted of her fanbase.
Though joking that she’s counting down the months until she turns 18, Lay Lay is also painstakingly aware of the expectations and social pressures that come with that age. In fact, she is already receiving uncalled-for comments on her body and how she chooses to dress, especially when it comes to crop tops, wigs, and makeup. “A lot of comments that I see like, it’s always like, ‘oh she grew up too fast, she's too grown this and that’ and I really don't do much…. But it's a lot of pressure, especially on social media. Growing up is a totally different thing.”
Growing up is exactly Lay Lay’s focus right now, as she is touring with her upcoming album and accompanying film release ‘Growing Pains’. “It’s like a modern High School Musical,” she explained. Along with showcasing all her music, she says the movie, “highlighting what the average teen goes through in high school and in life with boys, girls, drama.” And before you ask, no- dating drama is not on the horizon for Lay Lay. Rather, her greatest growing pain might just be herself.
“I think a big growing pain of mine is probably my attitude. I'm working on my attitude,” Lay Lay admitted cheekily. “I think it's just you know the growing up phase, you know, that's just the teenager, the teenager attitude.”
“Are you in the 'I know everything' phase?” Tigger asked.
“I do know everything!” she quipped back instantly, with the whole radio crew laughing. “See but I listen, I do listen, but I do know a lot!” Hey, at least she’s self aware!
Check out the full interview with Tigger, co-host Jazzy, and That Girl Lay Lay above -- and don’t worry if you missed the morning show -- V-103 is available anytime on the free Audacy app.
Words by Isabella Eaton Interview by Big Tigger Morning Show