Model Diaries with Kylie Cantrall

Photographed by Jana Schuessler
Interview by Keeli McCabe

Kylie Cantrall is a force to be reckoned with. Known for her multi-faceted talent as an actress, singer, and dancer, Kylie has captivated audiences with her infectious energy, bold sense of style, and undeniable charisma. Best known for starring on Descendants: The Rise of Red and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and for her chart-topping music, with her latest single premiering this month titled, ‘A Boy For A Day’, Kylie has built a brand that blends fierce individuality with a playful, unapologetic edge. As she graces the cover of Modeliste, we get an exclusive look into her world—an ever-evolving journey of creativity, ambition, and authenticity. With her unfiltered personality and fearless approach to life, Kylie is truly a star on the rise.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
This is so terrible, but I look at my phone, of course. I do a little five-minute scroll on TikTok, check that, check my emails. If anyone's harassing me on my text messages, I go through that. Once I get my little dopamine rush from TikTok, I'm ready to start my day.

How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Comfortable, red, and fierce.

What’s your favorite fashion trend at the moment?
Anything low-waisted. I love a little bootleg, bootcut pant.

You’ve already done so much—acting, singing, and dancing—what’s one thing you haven’t done yet but want to?
I would love to try goat yoga. I really feel like I need to face my fear of petting zoo animals, and goats are one of them. Little mini goats, hit me up. I'm ready to try.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the music industry right now?
I would have to say Lisa from Blackpink. I think she's killing it. She is a rock star in every sense of the word. I just love her confidence and her aura.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
My favorite way to unwind is by making a little hot matcha. I switch from my iced matcha in the morning to hot matcha at night to wind down and crack open a good book if I have the time. Right now, I'm reading The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra. It’s deep for sure, but I'm just trying to expand my horizons. I left school in seventh grade, so I feel like reading every night is my way to keep that academic bone going and feel like I'm still learning.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Actually, this is from my dad, who's sitting here, so he'll feel very proud that I held onto this. He once told me, "Nothing happens to you; it happens for you." I’ve always remembered that, and I feel like it applies so much in life. Trying to have that outlook and perspective has really been a game-changer.

Which character you've played do you relate to the most?
The character I relate to the most has to be Red. Definitely because of the red hair, but also because she’s fiercely herself and keeps her circle very tight and close. She can be a little guarded at first, but once she lets you in, she's a friend for life. I think I'm kind of the same.

Can you share your dream travel destination?
I have to say Japan. I'd love to experience the culture, the matcha, all of the sushi, the candy, and the fashion. Oh my gosh, don’t even get me started. I could go on.

What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?
The Laneige lip mask. It's so hydrating, and my new addiction is just applying a lip mask every five seconds.

You've got an amazing fanbase—what’s the most memorable fan interaction you’ve had?
I met a fan at a pumpkin patch near my house. She told me she'd met me at the same pumpkin patch four years ago when she was little. It was cool that she remembered, and she also said her little sister was going as Red for Halloween. I thought that was really sweet.

What’s one thing about you that might surprise people?
I feel like I'm low-key an introvert, which might surprise people because I seem outgoing and social. My job requires me to be very social, but at my core, I love being by myself, in my space, in solitude. Fun fact: I’m a bit of an introverted extrovert.


If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Never Say Never by Brandy. That album changed the game for me. It honestly changed the trajectory of my life. My dad used to play it in the car on the way to elementary school, and I would listen to all 16 songs back-to-back, memorizing every little run and riff. Brandy has been one of my biggest vocal inspirations, and I even got to work with her. I owe so much to her and that album. No skips.

What’s your favorite show to binge-watch right now?
New Girl. It’s so good and never gets old. Schmidt is my favorite character. I love you, Schmidt.

Describe your perfect day off—what does it look like?
Sleeping in, going on a little hike with my friends, getting matcha afterward, maybe stopping by a flea market to find some cool pieces, and then going home, chilling in my backyard, tanning, and maybe writing a little song in my room.

What’s the best thing about being on set?
I think it’s the bonds you form with the people you work with. You’re creating something special with a tight-knit group, and you all share this magical experience. The friendships and relationships you create with your peers and cast members are so special and can last forever.

What advice would you give your younger self starting in the industry?
I would tell her to be patient. Girl, chill. Take a chill pill. Your moment is going to happen. Not everything has to happen overnight, and the best moments happen when preparation meets opportunity. Everything's going to happen when it's supposed to. Chill, girl.

Why are you excited to be on our next Modeliste cover?
I'm so excited to be on the next Modeliste cover because I've been a fan of the magazine for so long. Seeing it on the newsstands, with every girl looking her absolute best on each cover, is inspiring. I'm just excited to see myself in that same way. It’s such an honor and an incredible opportunity. I feel like my younger self is freaking out right now.

Finally, what’s next for you? What should we be looking out for? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Lots of music! I have an EP coming out with all my favorite songs that I’ve ever written, plus music videos. I’m going on tour next summer with Descendants. We’re doing the Descendants x Zombies: Worlds Collide tour with the Zombies cast—an arena tour across America. I'm so excited. And I may or may not be heading back to Wonderland soon, so keep an eye out.

You have a new single coming out on November 7th called "Boy for a Day." Can you tell us about your inspiration for this song?
It came about as an amalgamation of things my friends and I were going through with guys, and we’d laugh about how crazy it would be if we swapped roles and girls did the things guys typically get away with. I wanted to shine a light on that in a funny way but still speak my truth. Sonically, I pulled a lot of inspiration from Brandy and Aaliyah, the '90s girls who are icons for me. I wanted to bring that nostalgia into this song as well and make it a fun dance track. It’s really for the girls, but if the guys like it, cool. I’m definitely calling them out for sure. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.