Camila Cabello of Fifth Harmony has a heart of gold and an inspiring story. We caught up with the Cuban-Mexican beauty to talk about the things that matter most to her: family, food and the American dream. Here’s what we learned:
She Ditched Her Quinceañera to Compete in The X Factor
Credit: Fox / Tumblr
She Gets Her Warrior Spirit from Her Mami
Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram
Cabello says her mom keeps her grounded during moments of doubt or isolation. “There’s so many people around you that can feed things to you that are plastic. I’ve come across people who have said that who I am isn’t good enough, isn’t right, that I need to be someone else in order to have success and be cool. My mom taught me that I have to be strong enough and say, ‘This is wrong. I dont believe in this. I know what I stand for and I’m not going to let anyone shake that.’ It’s about sticking to your guns.”
Cartoons Taught Her English
Credit: maya & miguel channel/Youtube
Cuban-born Cabello was only five when her family moved to Mexico. A year later, her family moved to Miami. Living in the United States meant having to learn English. “I just watched a lot of cartoons and TV. I started off just watching Maya and Miguel and The Disney Channel. We never had the Disney Channel in Cuba so it was the greatest thing on earth.”
She’ll Give You Squad-Envy
Credit: @camila_cabello / Instagram
Remember how she didn’t have enough friends to invite to a quinceañera? That’s not a problem anymore, just take a look through her Instagram.
Credit: @taylorswift / Instagram
Or Taylor Swift’s Instagram. You’ll see Camila there, too.
READ: Did Your Quinceañera Fit the 00s Mold?
Even Though Fifth Harmony Didn’t Win X Factor, It Made Her Stronger
Credit: @camila_cabello / Instagram
“I feel like I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for The X Factor. So much of my strength came from that experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
She Loves Meeting Fans
Credit: PopCandiesTV / YouTube
Cabello will hit the road with Fifth Harmony on a Summer tour that kicks off July 15. Cabello admits that the best part of going on tour is interacting with fans. “It’s so amazing when you get to see your fans face-to-face and have conversations. I love hugging fans. I give tons of free hugs.”
She’s Not Much of a Prankster
@camila_cabello / Instagram
She’s Obsessed with Plantains…
Credit: iStock
“I love plantains, sweet plantains, mariquitas and tostones.” When it comes to Cuban food, Cabello admits she’ll eat “anything that has plantains.”
And Can Eat Mexican Food All Day
Credit: @camila_cabello / Instagram
“I love tacos, rice and beans. My favorite Mexican dish is enfrijoladas. Yum.”
If there was a Tumblr about Her Everyday Life, It Would Look Like This:
Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram
“Someone trying to wake me up.”
Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram
“Reading books.”
Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram
“Koala hugging Dinah and not leaving her alone.”
She’s Grateful for Her Shot at the American Dream
Credit: @camila_cabello/Instagram
“The American Dream is the reason why all Latinos come to the U.S. My dream is to be the best version of myself. A lot of the times we come from a country like Cuba or Mexico where you are completely confined. If I wanted to be the best artist, the best musician, the best singer there’s a limit to how far I can go with that. My dream is to be able to have the best future possible. And taking care of myself and family. Most importantly to be happy.”
