01:00 AM EST on Sunday, December 25, 2005

BY GLENN GAMBOA
Newsday

Ciara couldn't believe it herself.

No, it wasn't the four Grammy nominations this month, including the coveted best new artist nod, that shocked her. The poised 20-year-old has been working for this kind of success her whole life.

It was her reaction that surprised her most.

"I was speechless," said Ciara, calling from a tour stop in Washington, D.C., where she had just performed for the president and first lady at a benefit for the National Children's Hospital. "A lot of great things have happened for me this year, but this was the first time I just couldn't think of anything to say. It's still catching up with me."

"The First Lady of Crunk & B," whose hits "Goodies" and "1, 2 Step" (a nominee for best rap/sung collaboration) have been radio and club staples, won't be slowing down any time soon to reflect, though.

"I have always been trying to be successful as fast as possible," Ciara said. "I've sacrificed so many things to get here, and it's starting to pay off. I've always believed in myself, and it's just been about making others believe in me."

Her debut album Goodies (LaFace), which combines the late Aaliyah's breathy cool style and the crunk vibe from Ciara's hometown of Atlanta, is twice platinum. Her work on Missy Elliott's "Lose Control" earned her two more Grammy nominations for best rap song and best short-form video.

One of Ciara's biggest thrills, though, came recently as she watched a high school choir rehearse, unaware that she was in the hall.

"They were doing the 'Goodies' walk and pieces from '1, 2 Step' and 'Oh.' It was so cool, so motivating, so inspiring to me," she said. "I always wanted to touch those people that are out there. It says a lot to me. It reminded me that I don't want this ride to end. I want more hits like this one."

Ciara said she isn't ready to discuss plans for her new album, which she expects to start working on soon. In the meantime, she has a lot of touring ahead of her. She has just finished opening for Gwen Stefani and is now on the Holladay Jam tour with Chris Brown, Omarion and her boyfriend, Bow Wow, through the end of the year. Then, she will turn her attention to performing in the halftime show of the Orange Bowl -- and, of course, the Grammys.

"I imagined it would happen like this," Ciara said. "When I was coming up, I saw there was always a lot to do, so I trained myself in my earlier days. Although I'm not getting enough rest, it's OK.

"I expect a lot. I don't expect it to be easy. And if I believe that, there's nothing I can't accomplish."

The Holladay Jam comes to the TD Banknorth Garden (formerly the FleetCenter), Causeway Street, Boston, at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets are $25 to $75. Call (401) 331-2211 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.