Victoria Justice Talks 'Fun Size' and Reveals the Worst Part About Being Famous -- Exclusive Interview

You know Victoria Justice as the aspiring singer Tori Vega -- the character she portrays in her hit Nickelodeon show 'Victorious' -- but you probably didn't know that this busy 18-year-old is currently balancing a music, film and television career, all while quickly becoming a rising pop star with some serious ambition. Fresh off the release of her new 'Victorious' record, AOL Music caught up with the young singer to talk about her upcoming solo project, her new movie 'Fun Size' with 'Jackass' actor Johnny Knoxville and the worst part about being famous.

You are currently filming for the upcoming comedy 'Fun Size,' what is it like behind the scenes with Chelsea Handler and Johnny Knoxville?

I just met Chelsea for the first time two days ago. Our first scene together was an emotional one. She's really cool though, very sharp and witty. I've really enjoyed hanging out with her so far. We still have a few scenes left to film together. Chelsea, Jackson [Nicoll] (who plays my younger brother) and I have shared a lot of laughs. We like to goof off a little and have fun.
Johnny has also been amazing. I didn't really know what to expect, but I was so pleasantly surprised. He's such a genuine person and so sweet. He's completely true to himself and where he came from and that's something I respect a lot. He's perfectly cast as his character, I think his scenes are going to be hilarious. It was such a pleasure getting to know him.

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The 'Victorious' soundtrack is set for release August 2, what is your favorite song on the album?

My favorite song ... that's such a hard question! I like so many of them. My two favorites would probably be 'Freak the Freak Out' and 'Best Friend's Brother.' I like 'FTFO' because I think it's just a really good song, and it's the first song from the show to go Gold, so I think it will always be special to me. I like 'BFB' because it's a song I wrote that came from my own personal experience. I think it's really fun and catchy. The response from the fans has been amazing. I'm really proud of that.

You have mentioned in other interviews that you are heavily involved in the writing process for your upcoming solo album, how will your solo work be different from what you sing on 'Victorious?'

I have been working hard on it, whenever I get any downtime I try to write. My solo album will definitely have a little bit of a different sound. I'm 18 years old, so it's going to be slightly more mature. I'm going to be singing mostly about my own personal experiences or things that I'm observing around me.

You recently reached your millionth fan on Facebook, how have you adjusted to all the change that has happened in your rise to fame?

Yes, I have. The fans are so incredible and many times I'm so touched by their support. I have recently noticed changes in my life because of the popularity of the show. I never really thought about it, until I wrapped this last season at the end of February. I was so busy working that I was very rarely out and about doing normal stuff. I realize now that mostly anywhere I go, I get recognized. The interesting thing is it's people of all ages, which goes to show you the power of TV. I've been on TV since I was 12 on 'Zoey 101,' and I got recognized a lot then, but mostly by younger kids.

It seems the world has changed a lot since then though. The internet and social media networks have really exploded and there's so much focus on everyone's personal life. Just recently, I noticed the paparazzi are paying attention to me (I always tried to keep a low profile when it came to that) and that makes me more guarded. There was an incident recently, where I was riding my bike in my own neighborhood, which I've always felt really safe in and never had to worry about photographers, and the next thing I know there were photos online of me. That was an eye-opening experience for me. They must've been hiding and snapped the photos. Actually, it was a little scary for me because now I know they know where I live, so now I'll always be looking over my shoulder.

On the positive side, with a higher profile brings the opportunity to bring attention to issues that you believe in that can help people. I was asked to join a charity that really spoke to me that was started by the United Nations, the organization is called 'Girl Up.' It's about bringing awareness to American girls to help other girls just like them in developing countries. These girls need our help to be able to get an education, medical care and supplies, a safe place to gather and many more things that we take for granted in this country. I'm really proud to be a part of the cause. I will be going to Guatemala the end of August on my first trip to see firsthand the challenges that they face.

As a thank you to all your Facebook fans you released a video of you covering Jessie J's 'Price Tag,' why did you choose that song?

It was current and I really liked the message. It was very impromptu. I knew I would have fun singing it and I did. My next cover though, I might do in a studio, because at home with my computer isn't the best sound.

Which recording artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I would love to collaborate with John Legend, Carole King, Hall and Oates, or Sara Bareilles. Honestly, that's such a hard question to answer because I respect and admire so many artists. There are so many talented people out there. A week ago I would've said Amy Winehouse as well ... she's a huge inspiration for me. Her story is so tragic. When I heard the news about her passing I was genuinely saddened. Just awful.

What albums or artists do you have on repeat on your MP3 player? Are there any artists that may surprise your fans?

I'm really into Adele, Kings of Leon, Sara Bareilles, Amy Winehouse. I really like all types of music though. Classic rock -- I'm a big Beatles fan, Rolling Stones, Elton John. I love lots of old Motown as well: Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5 and the Temptations.

An artist that I have on my iPod that would surprise my fans would have to be Barry Manilow. Well ... at least my older fans! By older I mean in their 40s and 50s. I doubt any of my younger fans are 'Fanilows.' Nothing better than listening to some Barry on a rainy day, love it.

What projects are you working on next?

As soon as I finish filming 'Fun Size' I fly back to L.A. to work on some music whenever I can. My schedule's going to be so crazy though, so I'm going to try and write whenever I have free time. Then I start filming Season 3 of 'Victorious.' Which means that I'll be recording a lot more music for the show, I'll be learning a lot of choreography, filming music videos, etc. I'll be pretty busy. I'd love to continue doing film as well. I have such a passion for it.

Watch Victoria Justice's Video for 'Best Friend's Brother'