After shining in the top six of The Next Star’s third season, Victoria Duffield remains in the spotlight. She released her first hit single and video for "Shut Up And Dance" earlier this year, and she recently unveiled a holiday remake of her favorite Christmas tune "Last Christmas" on iTunes. Plans are underway for another single to drop in the new year, along with a slate of additional projects.
Duffield’s post–Next Star journey is a story of balancing art forms and growing into a multifaceted performer. She speaks about singing, dancing, and life after the show, noting in particular the playful irony of a track name that echoes her public persona. The path has been about blending music, movement, and media presence while staying true to her identity as an entertainer.
The release of the video for "Shut Up And Dance" is a tangible milestone. Duffield describes the experience as incredibly exciting and fun to shoot, especially the chance to collaborate with Luther Brown and a dynamic group of dancers from So You Think You Can Dance Canada. The project resonated online, drawing a broad public audience and millions of views, and it aligned with her drive to establish a distinctive brand as an artist who can sing, dance, and perform. This momentum reflects her aim to fill a space in the industry with a strong, versatile presence. [Source: Victoria Duffield interview]
Looking ahead, Duffield indicates that the immediate focus is the second single, while also continuing to write and record back in Vancouver and in Toronto. Her team is shaping what the next song will be, with plans to release the accompanying album in the near future. The process remains collaborative, with a steady stream of writing sessions and studio time fueling the trajectory toward a full-length project. [Source: Victoria Duffield interview]
On the topic of upbringing, Duffield recalls a household where certain words were off-limits, and she notes the irony that "Shut Up" sits in her debut single. She laughs at the coincidence and acknowledges that her language has evolved in recent years, alongside her growing comfort with public performances and the artist she is becoming.
Before singing took center stage, she was poised on multiple creative fronts. Duffield started dancing at age two, and both singing and acting came into her life around age seven. Her early years were marked by a clear focus on performance, and while she intends to push forward as a pop artist, she plans to keep acting training alive and hopes to appear in feature films or even land a television show one day. The balance between music and acting remains a long-term aspiration rather than a detour.
Songwriting has become an increasingly prominent part of Duffield’s craft. She describes a shift from her earlier period with Warner to a current cadence of co-writing with various collaborators. The approach depends on the writer, with decisions about melody and lyrics often guided by the input of her partners. The process involves choosing lines or melodies and forming a cohesive song around those elements, resulting in a collaborative, evolving creative experience.
The influence of The Next Star training is still felt today. Duffield acknowledges that the experience provided essential training and connected her with a supportive circle within the top six. Those relationships helped shape her artistic voice and reinforced the sense of family that accompanies a rising artist in a tight-knit industry.
When it comes to comparisons, the YouTube chatter that aligns Duffield with Britney Spears is received with warmth. Spears was a major influence, a guiding example of a singer and dancer who successfully combined performance on stage with pop appeal. Duffield views the comparisons as flattering recognition of the path she is pursuing, appreciating the positive response while staying focused on her own identity and goals.
Collaboration remains a recurring wish for Duffield. She notes that writing with artists in the same genre and age group would be ideal, mentioning Britney as a potential collaborator. She also entertains the idea of working with Selena or Justin, underscoring a willingness to explore partnerships that align with her musical direction and personal artistry.
Balancing school with a demanding entertainment schedule is a constant challenge. Duffield describes giving 100 percent to all endeavors and staying driven by one overarching work ethic. She admits that sleep may be sacrificed at times but emphasizes the importance of maintaining good grades and continuing to work ahead when travel or recording shifts her routine. This discipline demonstrates how she preserves her academic standing while pursuing performance opportunities.
Family and friends initially reacted with a mix of surprise and pride when they saw her pursuing video projects. They have remained supportive, helping create a positive environment that sustains her growing career. Their encouragement is an ongoing source of strength as she navigates the demands of fame while staying connected to her roots and the people who matter most.
When reflecting on the evolution from Fever, the first video she did on The Next Star, to Shut Up And Dance, Duffield notes a key difference: greater creative control. The Next Star era involved constraints on what could be shown, whereas the latest project allows her to express herself more fully and shape the visuals, choreography, and performance to align with her artistic intent. It’s a tangible sign of growth and a stepping stone toward more ambitious work.
The interview closes with a clear sense of Duffield’s momentum and ambition. She continues to explore new songs, develop her stage presence, and seek opportunities that bridge music with possible screen roles. The road ahead holds multiple chapters as she broadens her reach as a pop artist, dancer, and performer who is not afraid to push boundaries and pursue fresh creative horizons.