Ciara’s ‘Promise’ Leaked After R&B Exec Calls It the ‘Worst’ 🎶

Ciara has an incredible knack for recognizing a hit.

In her conversation with Bustle, Ciara shared the story of how she released her breakout track “Promise” back in 2006, even when her label doubted its potential. Remarkably, an executive from Sony referred to the song as “the worst R&B record.”

“We released it through an Atlanta radio station and, surprisingly, the song exploded and became a massive success,” she reminisced. “I ended up with my first No. 1 album. That week was monumental — I was alongside Gwen Stefani, Eminem, and others.”

Though her instincts proved correct at that moment, she admitted to times when her predictions didn’t pan out. Nonetheless, she remains steadfast in her self-belief.

“There have been occasions when it hasn’t gone as well as I’d hoped,” she noted. “However, I’ve maintained a consistent faith in myself, so I won’t stop believing.”

Regarding success, the “Goodies” singer has made it clear that she will not let accolades dictate her worth. She highlighted her track “Body Party,” which achieved No. 1 on R&B/hip-hop radio in 2013.

“You might assume that such an achievement would automatically qualify one for a nomination, right?” she questioned. “A No. 1 song, influencing the charts decisively, and yet I didn’t receive a nomination.”

“If I were to measure my success by award metrics, I would feel like I failed,” she added.

After 20 years since her first album, Ciara is thriving. In 2024, she will embark on a tour with Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Timbaland titled Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience. She has even included her family on this adventure.

“My kids accompanied me, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” she expressed to PEOPLE. “They were like my little touring companions, having an amazing time with Auntie Missy and Uncle Busta,” she shared. “The energy was simply incredible.”

“I can confidently say that the first summer with four kids was surprisingly manageable,” she reflected. “I was like, ‘This is what life is truly about.’ It’s all about the little joys. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”