Teenage heartthrob, Trevor Jackson has been making some noise with his debut EP, #NEWTHANG, featuring hit singles “Drop It” and “Like We Grown.” Hailing from a background in theater (Young Simba in The Lion King) and starring in Disney Channel’s original movie Let It Shine, this young pop star’s future (take note of his good looks and charm) looks bright.

While on tour with the talented Justine Skye, the 17-year-old R&B sensation chatted with us about tour life, celebrity crushes and the scoop on his rumored boo, Zendaya. –Shanae Hatchett

What’s the transition like from acting to singing?
Trevor Jackson: Since I was singing the whole time I was acting, I don’t really feel like it’s a transition. I was already kind of doing both but [recording is] definitely a shorter process. A song can be made and produced in a couple of days, but a movie takes much longer. That’s probably the most different part of being in acting and music. But everything is so fun!

Who are some of the artists you’d like to get in the studio with?
I would love to work with Kendrick Lamar, Drake, R. Kelly and A$AP Rocky. I just want to make good music.

I’ve heard that you’re involved in bunch of different charities. What motivates you to give back?
I feel like I never really had anyone come to my different events as a child. Michael Jackson made me feel that I can do anything if I put my mind to it and that made me who I am today. I want to make people who see me understand that anything is possible, regardless of what anyone tells you. I can spread love through my music and meet all these people from different walks of life.

There was a recent rumor that you and teen sensation Zendaya went on a date in L.A. recently. Are you two dating?
No. She’s actually one of my best friends. It’s crazy because we’re so similar with everything that we’re doing musically and career wise. We’re kind of in the same place. It’s really great to have someone to talk to that can relate in that way. We talk about everything. She’s awesome.

Do you have any celebrity crushes? If so, who?
I definitely like Nicki Minaj. Lily Collins–she’s very cute. There’s so many attractive women especially in the entertainment industry, man. [Laughs] All these women are so beautiful sometimes it’s hard to focus. You have to keep it together [laughs]. Sofia Vergara is definitely at the top of my list too.

How is it touring with Justine Skye?
Tour life is awesome! You get to stay at all these different hotels around the country. I love water, so I try to swim as much as possible. And Justine is very talented. These shows allow me to express myself through my music and the fans love it.

Do you have any crazy tour stories?
Actually, the other day this girl passed out, which is the first time that’s happened in front of me. She kept saying, ‘I’m going to pass out,’ but I thought she was joking. Then she actually did pass out. It was pretty crazy!