Ally Brooke on Fifth Harmony's Future and Her Latina Roots

Music has always had pride of place in the heart of Ally Brooke who started performing on local stages at the age of 9. Drawing from legends, such as the late Tejana superstar Selena Quintanilla, and harnessing her natural talent, the 23-year-old San Antonio native found herself auditioning solo for TV’s The X Factor in 2012.

It was there that her life changed forever when she landed a spot on the girl group, Fifth Harmony. Although they ultimately didn’t win the reality singing competition, 5H became a major success, topping charts and showing the industry that girl groups weren’t history.

With a new album on the way, Fifth Harmony is more excited than ever for a fresh start as a foursome and Ally talks to Chica all about music, her Mexican roots and new beginnings.

So how’s it looking for the future of Fifth Harmony?

It’s incredibly exciting. We are working on our third album, and it is the best experience we’ve ever had creating a record. So much of our heart and soul is being poured into it. We are being given the opportunity to write and be part of the process more than ever. I smile just thinking about it. There is lots in store and we are all patiently waiting for our music to finally be out!

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Is there a fifth member on the horizon for 5H?

Oh no! (Laughs.) We’re sticking with the four! We’re just so excited about the music and for our fans to finally be able to hear it.

What can fans expect from the next studio album?

Our music is coming together magically. It’s a blend of these delicate and honest pop melodies mixed with fun, rhythmic, sexy, urban sounds, as well soulful, raw emotion. There’s so much to look forward to in our music.

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How did you get into music before X-factor?

When I was 9 years old, I started performing around my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. I would do these performances around town at different places and that’s when I really fell in love with performing and I knew this was something that stood me up and filled me in a way that nothing had and nothing could. I really just fell in love with it. I continued to perform and when I was 12 years old I went to Los Angeles and I started to create my own music.

One of your biggest music influences is Selena Quintanilla, what is it about the late Tejana superstar that influenced you?

Selena is my angel. She is my biggest inspiration. Being from San Antonio, Texas, I really feel that connection to her because she had a lot of performances and a lot of her most iconic performances in San Antonio. Back in my hometown, we love her. We all as a community celebrate her and adore her. We keep her memory alive.

In what ways do you connect with your Mexican roots?

When I’m home, my family makes Mexican food and we listen to a lot of Spanish music together. We love dancing to it.

What’s next for Ally Brooke?

I’m excited to express myself through some music this year. This year, I’m really diving into the acting world as well.

To read more on Ally Brooke, be sure to pick up the June issue of People en Español, on stands now!