Reality Show Star Shares What It Was Like Growing Up In Mahwah

When she's not working with Grammy Nominated Producers are staring in a hit VH1 reality Show "You're Cut Off", actress, dancer, and singer Jackie Madden calls Mahwah her home.

“I have been performing (acting, singing, and dancing) since I was three years old. I think I came out singing and dancing! I really feel as if I was destined to do this. I have always been told 'if you really love what you do, then it's never really work at all.' That's exactly how I feel about my career. I've worked so hard for so many years, but I absolutely love it,” Madden says.

Madden’s claim to fame came from her dance-electronic hit “Falling” which debuted on the Billboard Dance Chart as the #2 Breakout Artist. Greatly influenced by pop legends like Madonna and Britney Spears, Madden sought out to make out a song that everyone can relate and dance to.

"I would have two say that Madonna, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez are definitely three of my influences. I have always strived to be a triple threat and these three women excelled at just that. It's incredible to have the gift to sing, but the most successful artists and the ones who have the longest careers are those who can fully entertain. What I mean is when you see a show that tells a story. If an artist can take an audience of five or of 50,000 through an emotional journey and if that artist can captivate their audience to the point that they actually feel what you are going through, now that, that is an entertainer.”

“Falling”was actually written by Maria Christensen who wrote the song "Waiting For Tonight" that Jennifer Lopez sang. “Falling” was also produced by 2011 Grammy Nominated Producer Mike Rizzo and Mr. Mig who has had countless gold and platinum hit records. It's an amazing song about falling so head over heels in love for someone, but being afraid to ask if they feel the same way. I think this song is so relateable because everyone feels like that at one point or another in a new relationship. It's about finally having the confidence and courage to tell that person exactly how you are feeling. It's a big step for everyone.”

Madden also gained a lot of attention from starring on Season One of the VH1 reality show “ You’re Cut Off”

“Oh my gosh it was crazy! First of all, I had no idea that I was going on a show called "You're Cut Off!" They lied to us! We were told we were auditioning for a show called "The Good Life," needless to say, what we were told was not what we signed up for. It was definitely a difficult situation being on the other side of the country with eight random girls, no cell phones, no computers, no credit cards, no money etc! I never thought I would make it through those two months, but now that it's over I look at it as a stepping stone for my career as an entertainer. I also made a couple of very good girlfriends that I still talk to on a regular basis. I believe this show did make me realize to never take anything for granted because at the snap of a finger you can lose everything.

As the ride to stardom can be a long hard journey, Madden says the best advice for aspiring performers is to dream big.

“Dream big and work as hard as you can to get there. Make sure that first and foremost you believe in what you do and always stay true to yourself. To me, success isn't about how much money I make from being in this industry, it's being able to wake up every day and know that I love what I do and I am able to share my talents with the world.”

With a second single already on the way, a concert tour, and her very own music label Madden has a lot to look forward to this year.

“I am very excited about my future in the entertainment industry! "Falling" broke me onto the Billboard Dance Chart as the #2 Breakout Artist and has made it all the way up to #39! It's being played on the radio all over the country and I have been traveling for performances and radio interviews quite often. I am actually performing at the two Bitstocks concerts this August! August 6 Beatstock is at Six Flags and August 20 Beatstock is in Long Island. I will be touring throughout the summer, so be sure to check my website for all of the latest info and upcoming performances!"

“Down the road, I see myself with a full album completed and released and with a very successful record label. A year ago I decided to start my own record label "JEM Recordings." The idea behind my label is to take on other extremely gifted and talented artists and give them an opportunity to show off their talents to the world. I have so many amazing people involved in this project and I am extremely excited to see how far we will take it in the next couple of years. I also see myself touring the world, while still pursuing the acting side of my career as well. I always set extreme goals for myself and keep a positive attitude even when things don't pan out exactly as planned. Everything happens for a reason, and in the end those little bumps in the road only make me stronger.”

Although she’s stared on reality TV and worked with Grammy Nominated Producers, Madden is still proud of her Mahwah roots.

"It's been amazing growing up in Mahwah. All of my friends to this day are people that I have known since I was four years old. The area is gorgeous, everyone is very sweet and family-oriented. The one thing I remember most about growing up in Mahwah was always being able to play outside with my friends without my parents worrying. They always knew I was safe. It's a great place to raise a family, and I intend on starting mine here one day.”