Ciara was born in Austin, Texas, and grew up in army bases in Germany, New York, California, Arizona and Nevada, since her father was in the United States Army.

Ciara’s debut single, Goodies, became a hit, reaching the top of the United States pop and R&B/hip-hop charts, and also charting in the United Kingdom (in January 2005, also reaching number one), Australia, Germany, Sweden, and New Zealand. With help from Jazze Pha, Sean Garrett, Ludacris, and Lil Jon, Ciara released her debut album, Goodies on September 28, 2004. It entered the Billboard 200 chart at #3, and sold over 3 million copies in the USA alone.

Ciara’s second single “1, 2 Step” featuring Missy Elliott went #1 in the first week, also topping the charts in Canada. The third single "Oh (feat. Ludacris)" hit the top 10 all over the world.

Ciara's 2nd album 'The Evolution' failed to provide a huge single as per her debut, and was widely slated by critics.

Ciara has returned in 2009 with the single 'Love Sex Magic', which features vocals by Justin Timberlake. The song has hit the top 10 all over the globe. Ciara will also be supporting Britney Spears on the UK leg of her tour, and has appeared in Cycle 12 of America's Next Top Model, in a "crazed fan" photo shoot.