‘Hart of Dixie’ season 2 exclusive: Claudia Lee to perform original song

If you are a fan of Claudia Lee, there’s some big news to report for Tuesday night’s new episode of “Hart of Dixie” (The CW, 8:00 p.m. Eastern time): she’s going to be showing off her vocal pipes as Magnolia Breeland! This is not the first time that we have seen the network allow an actress to show off her inner songstress during an episode, and it’s always welcome for those of us who like to think of watching TV as a guessing game. What inspires Magnolia to sing? That’s the question that we are asking ourselves now.

Following the first part of our interview with Claudia about “Kick-Ass 2” (which we first posted last month), we now have some more all about her getting the opportunity to perform on the show, and also just how much more of Magnolia we are going to see this season.

Cartermatt.com – So first things first, what are you to be singing?

Claudia Lee – I will be singing one of my songs off of my album. (“Take My Hand.”)

Is there a specific reason or explanation in the story as to why Magnolia is going to be singing?

There is some sort of story explanation for it, and it is really fun. I can’t wait for everyone to see it because it’s a really cool episode. I was talking with all of our producers about it, and they are really excited about it.

I know The CW likes to do this sort of thing, and I remember when I heard Candice Accola on ‘The Vampire Diaries’ do this, I was like ‘I had no idea that she could sing!’ Do you think this will be a cool opportunity for some other people to have that sort of reaction?

Yeah, I think it’s going to be a really cool opportunity. There are so many people around the world who watch the show and it’s great to show that side.

So when you perform your songs, you obviously do so with a certain mindset or feeling behind it. How were you able to bridge that gap and find a similar sort of mindset for Magnolia to sing it?

Well, Magnolia is the rebel in her small little town of Bluebell, and this song is one that shows you have spunk and you’re going to march to the beat of your own drum. It’s a great song for Magnolia, and I’m really glad the producers chose it because it goes along really well with everything that is going on with the story.

So I know that you have been [shooting ‘Kick-Ass 2’], and I know that’s been a busy travel schedule. So is episode 2 going to be the last that you are in for a while?

No. I don’t know if I can release how many times you’ll see her, but you are definitely going to see a lot more of Magnolia this season. Last year you would kind of see her every once in a while and the people would be like ‘where’s Magnolia?’

I think Magnolia is growing up so she has that rebellious side, but I think’s she’s confused, too, with all of her sister’s decisions and what her dad is going to do [about it]. It’s really cool to see her mental struggle.

I am going to get a little ahead of myself here. Since you look at many network shows, and six seasons seems to more or less be a model for the length of one that is successful. If the show lasts for this long, how would you want to see Magnolia evolve?

That’s a great question because I always want my art to grow. I want to see Magnolia take risks and make decisions that are unique. I believe I would definitely have Magnolia grow up, but there would still would be struggles because she is still [so young].

Thanks again to Claudia for taking the time to talk with us!