Monica narrates how she won $1,000 prize money at age 9 and gave it to her mom for her wedding

Monica has been a successful R&B artist since age 12. One of the shining qualities she has exhibited over the years is her ability to maintain class and artistic dexterity in an ever-evolving career.

In that world of musical perfection are also Monica’s prized early memories. She is always noted for her family’s first mantra. During a live taping of the “The Shop” podcast in Atlanta, GA, Monica told Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera about her participation in a local talent show when she was very young. During her participation, she sang Whitney Houston’s classic Greatest Love Of All, motivated by the need to take care of her family even amidst the demands of her career as an entertainer.

She explained that after she won the prize money, all she wanted to do was to give the $1,000 prize to her mother who was getting married. Monica said she strongly remains devoted to those who have supported her, particularly her mother, who served as her motivation to win the $1,000 prize at age 9.

She recounted that the bond with her family precedes her early days of music, which started at a young age. During a podcast, she reminisced about her early days singing in a hot car during a family trip from Newnan, Georgia, drawing motivation from her mother’s wedding.

Monica emphasized that her life-changing moment winning the $1,000 prize taught her that there’s a greater plan at work in everyone’s lives. She explained that it spurred her career because she held little expectation as she progressed through the journey.

It is in that spirit she gifted her son $1,800 after he graduated from high school. According to Monica, she wanted her son to celebrate his milestones and enjoy the best of life. She also gifted him $18,000 to pursue a business plan that will impact his life positively.

This perspective has allowed her to enjoy her career without worrying about expectations or statistics. Now, as a mother of three children, she still prioritizes taking care of her family.