TCA SUMMER 2013: X-Factor Alum Goes Back To the ’80s!

By DIVAGALS | August 14, 2013 | Entertainment

She made it to the top ten on the first season of The X Factor. Now 19-year-old Hayley Orrantia is starring on Adam Goldberg‘s new ABC series The Goldbergs. We caught up with the new TV star while she was chowing down food at the annual Summer Press Tour.

What is your character like on The Goldbergs?
She’s a high school senior, and she’s sassy and rebellious, and beats up her youngest brothers.

Are you excited, and nervous a little too?
Yes, and not anymore. I was before but now that I’ve spent a little time with the cast, it’s been a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to it.

Have you had to study up on the eighties?
A little bit. There was actually some TV show that played the other day and it was actually all about the eighties and I thought, “I need to watch this.”

How are you enjoying the Hollywood scene since you’re really new to it. Are people saying, “Oh, you can have this to wear to this event?”
It’s been really exciting; something that you dream about as a little kid. Being here and being around people that I watch on TV and people that I look up to, it’s really crazy, but it’s been a long time coming and I’m really excited that it’s all happening now.

Did you know when you were doing The X-Factor that you would get into acting?
I’ve always been taking acting classes but I put it on the back burner for The X Factor. I always hoped that something would come out of it but I didn’t expect anything but now that it has, it’s been a big plus.

Have you thought about talking to Pretty Little Liars‘ Lucy Hale because she started her career on a reality competition show?
I haven’t met her yet but I actually look up to her because I love her career and how she’s going about things. It’s awesome.

You’re 19, but you’ve done a lot in a few years.
Yes, The X Factor was two years ago, so it’s all been kind of quick, but it also feels like it’s been forever since that happened.

Have you watched it lately?
I haven’t watched the seasons since mine really because I’ve been really busy and it’s been a little bit hard, but my mom really makes me watch whenever I am home. She’s like, “come see this girl, she’s great.”

What do you think of those shows you were on, looking back?
I definitely learned a lot. When I first went into it, I didn’t really believe it because itΓÇÖs a lot harder for those artists to actually make it outside of that and ever since then I’ve met a lot of great people. I’ve learned to how to work in the business in that way and so I did learn a lot so I take it as a good experience under my belt.

What does your mom think of you doing this show?
Aw, my mom is so excited. When [my parents] they found out I got the part, they were just crying.

Do you have anything else going on?
Right now I just plan on working on original music and writing and seeing what comes, what may.

You’ve really put it away! At 19 your metabolism is going well…
Yes! With how much I’m eating too!

Do you have any favorite foods?
Yes, fried chicken from Chicken Express because I’m from Texas and I love that Southern food. So fried chicken is where it’s at, but I’m not picky at all!

photo credit: ABC