Pop artist Manika Ward remembers the surreal moment of driving down the street and hearing her music blasting on the radio.

She had gotten into a routine of listening to her songs on her iPod while driving and was caught off-guard when she heard one on the radio.

"I was like, 'That's not my iPod, it's the radio,' " said Manika, who goes professionally by her first name in a Madonna and Rihanna style. "Then of course I freaked out and was really excited."

Manika, 18, was born and raised in Las Vegas and graduated from the Henderson International School at 15.

"I was always into my studies," Manika said. "But I've always wanted to be a performer. People were really shocked I was taking the music path. But it is just what I love doing. You can't help it when it is a part of you."

Not long after she committed to her career path, she met her music coach, CeCe Sammy.

Sammy, who is based in Los Angeles , was looking for a new sensation when someone told her that Manika, who had authored a children's book, "The Exciting Adventures of Boo," would be reading at an event in Henderson.

"I thought, 'I want a singer, not a children's author,' " Sammy said. "But I went out to Henderson to check her out as a favor (to my friend). Lo and behold, there was Manika."

Sammy has met many young, aspiring artists who want to be a star.

"They would always want someone to make them a star," Sammy said. "I would always ask what they have worked on. They would always respond, 'Well, nothing. That's what I want you to help me with.' "

That wasn't the case with Manika, who already had been working on song ideas.

"She didn't ask me to make her a star," Sammy said. "She showed me what she was working on and asked if I had any suggestions for improvement."

At 16, Manika started her music career, leaving Henderson for Los Angeles.

In the studio, Manika has grown as she has written songs about her everyday life experiences.

"I love all my songs," Manika said. "Each one is my baby."

Her past has inspired her to write songs such as "My Way," which talks about not being afraid to follow the heart, and "Take a Little, Give a Little," which gives the message of giving and taking equally .

"There are no rules when it comes to song writing," Manika said. "I love being able to talk with other people when writing songs. If you're writing a song about love, someone might have a different perspective that might contribute to the song's message."

Her current single, "Just Can't Let You Go" featuring Lil Twist, has been featured on Top 40 radio stations nationwide.

With the artist lifestyle comes the touring, which Manika loves.

"Whenever I am in a city I'm performing in, I get to check out other cultures," Manika said.

Manika has tried items such as alligator and has grown to love Southern food. But the stage is where she has had the most fun.

Manika said one of the most intimidating things has been working with Travis Payne, an associate producer and choreographer for performers such as Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. Payne is Manika's stage director for tours.

Along with working with Payne, the experience of her crew has helped Manika grow as a performer.

This year, Manika finished a tour called "Shop Til You Rock," where she traveled from July through September through New Jersey, Arizona and Georgia.

As much as she has loved touring, Manika was sad that none of her tours brought her home.

"That's the one thing she would always say," Sammy said. "Why can't I perform in Las Vegas?"

Manika is getting her wish and is slated to have her first Las Vegas performance Dec. 10 as part of 98.5 KLUC's Chet Buchanan Morning Zoo Toy Drive.

Manika looks forward to the promise of her career.

"There is no stopping her," Sammy said.

Manika is expected to release her second single in January.

One day, following the lead of other female performers such as Beyoncé , Manika hopes to do some acting.

"I want to do anything in the performing arts, whether it is singing or acting," Manika said.

For more information on Manika, visit manika-music.com/.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.