The actress, 24, says the singer she plays on ABC’s Nashville (Wednesdays) is “a questionable personality.”
What’s it like playing such a ruthless character?
I love the roller coaster, the beautiful disaster that is Juliette Barnes. I was concerned, as she’s made so many poor decisions, that it would become obnoxious and people would go, “You’re annoying me now. You need to get a grip.” But they haven’t.
You’ve said you suffer from serious stage fright.
When I get nervous, I do everything a singer’s not supposed to do: My neck tenses up; my jaw clenches. The scary part is, is my voice going to be there? But sometimes being nervous is good, because you have that adrenaline and it makes you better.
You’re engaged to Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko; what’s the latest on your wedding plans?
Everything that’s happening in Ukraine definitely put a hold on things. But we have time.
Do you do boxing workouts with your fiancé?
Not sparring! That would be a one-way session. I have tried to chase Wlad around the ring, but it’s a losing battle. I have to catch him off guard.
For complete Nashville episodes and behind-the-scenes videos, check out the show’s official site.