Rita Ora on Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Calvin Harris: “I Have Had a Few Dramas, Haven’t I? 

“This is the most exciting creative time in my life,” says singer, actress, fashion designer, and television star Rita Ora. But despite having had four No. 1 singles in her native U.K., she has never released a full album in the U.S., where she is perhaps more widely known for her provocative style and rumored boyfriends. Now, with a brand-new record deal and a stint hosting VH1’s

, all of that is about to change. Here, the multi-talented star talks with Lisa Robinson about music, hard work, gossip, romance, and Prince.

LISA ROBINSON: You signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation label seven years ago, when you were 18. Why didn’t they ever release your album in the U.S., and why did you just sign a new record deal with Atlantic Records?

RITA ORA: I released my album everywhere else, but to tell you the truth, music speaks for itself. I’m not blaming anyone—it just wasn’t the right time. Now it’s time for a change, and I can’t wait to get into the studio.

R.O.: First and foremost, Jay Z is my inspiration and one of my idols—lyrically, musically, business-wise. I still look up to him and his wife every day. Beyoncé was one of my biggest idols growing up.

L.R.: You—along with other women—were embroiled in the “Becky with the good hair” brouhaha after Beyoncé released

. You posted a photo of yourself on Snapchat wearing a bra with a lemon print from your clothing line, and you wore a “Not Becky” pin at a Met Ball after-party.

R.O.: That [pin] was a present from Katy Perry. Maybe I was the only one seen wearing it, but there were others. As for the rest of it, I’m oblivious, I’m just not the gossip queen. I find it incredibly rude and disrespectful to women in general [when] we get accused of something that’s basically against the important part—the music.

L.R.: You’ve also been a target of gossip about your ex-boyfriends—including Calvin Harris, who at one time wouldn’t let you perform “I Will Never Let You Down,” the song he wrote and produced for you.

R.O.: He’s very talented. . . . I have had a few dramas, haven’t I? I think in general I’ve learned my lesson to not talk about relationships and gossip because I’ve been at the center of it a few times and it’s not worth it. And I have been heartbroken . . . just once. Love is so great, but it also can be the most dangerous thing on planet earth. People do crazy things when it comes to jealousy and love.

L.R.: Other than music, you work nonstop—on a clothing line, in movies (

Southpaw, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fast & Furious 6

R.O.: My sister, Elena, and I built my brand, and while the music part may have been difficult, we never stopped, and we became professionals at everything else. But music is my first love; it was the thing I came into the entertainment industry to do in the first place.

L.R.: Your parents are from Kosovo, your family moved to England when you were a year old, and you’re currently an honorary ambassador to Kosovo. What does that entail?

R.O.: I’m probably one of the few [musicians] to be successful from my country. Women [there] don’t have the creative freedom to express themselves and be heard. I meet girls from ages 10 to 30, and I’m working with UNICEF to create a platform where these women can express themselves.

L.R.: You worked with Prince. How did that come about?

R.O.: He called my manager when he was in London round four or five years ago and said he wanted to meet me. I wouldn’t have been as nervous if it had been a royal prince, but

. . . He was one of my best friends, he literally became my guardian angel. I went to Paisley Park for about two weeks, my sister came, I recorded about four tracks there. . . . He just had my back. He was the best person to get advice from. I still find myself looking at the e-mails he sent to me.

L.R.: You should print them out to make sure you save them.

VIDEO: Watch Rita Ora Explain What Happens When Jay Z Signs You

in 1999, contributing editor LISA ROBINSON was a longtime music columnist for the

, the host of syndicated radio and cable TV shows, and edited several rock magazines.

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