Future diva Toya, blessed the Sacramento State campus on Tuesday, May 8, as she spoke with radio station KSSU and then later performed at the Joe Serna Plaza.

During the interview with DJ Alan J, Toya spoke of her self-titled first album. Signed with Arista Records since December, 18-year-old Toya has put together an album that “Older people, younger people, guys and girls, everyone can relate to.”

Her big break was when she found herself in the presence of Tony Davis, manager of rap artist Nelly. “I asked him if I could sing for him,” Toya said.

Which she did, and landed herself an audition. Because of her enthusiasm and passion for music, Toya?s audition songs made their way to Arista producer L.A. Reid. Toya?s appeal fascinated Reid, who then offered Toya the record deal that she is now promoting.

“I got down with the producers and got into my head,” Toya said aboutthe album-making process.

“[The album] is so diverse. At least one song will pertain to everybody,” she said.

During the radio interview, Toya sang the National Anthem, which brought out her powerful, yet smooth vocals.

Her confidence started at an early age when she would often lead her church choir. During high school, she would go to the basketball and football games and plead to sing.

“I may be little, but I got a big voice,” she said.

With the Jackson 5 as one of her biggest influences, she would try to be Michael or Janet, though she was named after Latoya.

After the interview with KSSU, Toya made her way to the stage and performed in St. Louis apparel. Her pride for St. Louis was shown in a red Cardinals T-shirt and a red St. Louis baseball cap.

During the performance of her single, “I do,” one of her fans, Hur-Khan Allen, approached the stage and handed her a flower. Allen?s self-confidence soon brought him sitting at the edge of the stage, being serenaded by Toya. Because of her humble attitude, Toya didn?t mind the admiration.

“I like her. She was cool,” Allen said after the performance.

Toya?s influence from Michael and Janet Jackson was evident in her dancing. The smooth attitude of Michael and the enticing movement of Janet, were brought together as Toya and her dancers decorated the stage.

With the help of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Toya?s visit was warm and welcoming.

She left Joe Serna Plaza with people wanting more.

“It was interesting,” Stephan Carson said. “But I was disappointed because it was too short.”

Toya?s album promotion has got her busy traveling around the country. Her next destination is the Midwest.

With so much going on, Toya manages to get through with three things on her mind: stay focused, stay dedicated and be humble, and “shake off all the haters.”

Toya?s album is due out on Aug. 7, but her single is already out and on rotation at the radio stations.

“I definitely feel blessed,” she said. “There?s a lot of artists out there, but there?s just one Toya.”