Billie answers fans

It seems that Virgin recording artist Billie is just like any other normal 16-year-old girl - she just has millions of fans and a hit record in England, that's all.

Hoping to spread her success to Canada, the British teen is on a whirlwind promotional tour, which hits Edmonton tomorrow. She'll perform songs from her debut album, Honey to the B, and sign autographs starting at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at the HMV Superstore in West Edmonton Mall.

Since there wasn't time for a proper interview, we asked readers to submit questions to Billie so she could reply via e-mail. Here are her answers:

From Jen Flatt, age 10:
If you had a chance to join an established "girl group" such as the Spice Girls, would you give up your solo career?

BILLIE: I don't think so, I really enjoy being a solo artist.

Since you are becoming a role model for young girls, who were your role models?

BILLIE: My role model is, and always will be, Madonna.

From Michelle Annett, age 13:
I take ballet three days a week. My question to Billie is: Why did you get started in the music business?

Simply IrresistibleBILLIE: Because I've always loved performing. I've danced and sung since I was very young. I joined local acting and singing classes and eventually went to theatre school in London.

From Crystal Rosentreter, age 14:
Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?

Simply IrresistibleBILLIE: Hopefully an established singer and artist worldwide.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

BILLIE: To be honest, I don't do that many really crazy things, but my maddest is when I was at Canada's Wonderland (in Toronto). I went on that bungy-like thing, which was absolutely crazy!

What's your most embarrassing moment?

BILLIE: When my song didn't start when I was performing in Birmingham and I had to stand there on stage for five minutes until they fixed the sound problem!

From Paula Nemyo, age 15:
What does your family think of your fame?

BILLIE: My family is very supportive and enthusiastic. They're very down to earth and keep me focused.

On March 26, I'm turning 16 and I have no idea how to make it a birthday to remember. I was wondering how you celebrated your 16th birthday.

BILLIE: I had a big birthday party! The most important thing about your birthday is to make sure all the people you love are there. And make sure you have some good music to dance to!

From D. Carter:
I am a songwriter. I have written 16 songs. Please, if you could give me some direction on how I can get my songs into circulation, it would be of great help to me.

BILLIE: You need to record them down to tape and send them in to record companies. Keep writing about your experiences, and never lose hope.

Thanks to Virgin Records, Billie and all her questioners. Each participant has won a CD copy of Honey to the B, plus a Billie poster and sticker.