Artists Look to a Higher Power Before Performing

Vibe.com got all-access at the Rochester MusicFest to find out:

Ciara: Pray and listen to music. Sometimes I listen to my show tapes. I’m kind of simple because I’m just now beginning with this in a way, so I don’t want to try and do too many different things until I relax a bit more.

Natalie from Nina Sky: We all do this dance called the “Lord of Mercy.” It’s really funny.

Jagged Edge: We pray. We also try not to get too full because you don’t want to get sluggish, especially on a day like today.

Mike from112: No alcohol and we have this thing where we do a little chant. It’s the stupidest shit we ever heard in our lives. It’s like ‘Goddamn! What are they doing?’

Slim from 112: I have a 24-hour ritual where there can be no air-conditioning, no dairy products and no chocolate.

Lyfe: Pray, but really I just go onstage and try and see what’s working and whatever ain’t, you leave it.

Common: I drink water and do my own meditation, my own relaxation.

John Legend: We hold hands and pray. I take a nap before I get dressed. I drink tea and have this little inhaler, a compound that my doctor made up for me to clear out my mucus. I do a lot of warm-ups, watch what I eat and watch what I drink. Gotta keep your voice right.