Shyness Threatened Paris Hilton's Singing Career  5/30/06

Socialite Paris Hilton had to overcome crippling shyness to launch her new career as a singer.

The Simple Life star is preparing to release an eclectic album of songs, including seven she wrote herself, which she claims is a mixture of hip-hop, reggae and pop.

But she insists she had barriers she had to pass before she could even step into the recording studio.

Hilton says, "I have always had a voice and always known I could sing, but I was too shy to let it come out. I think that is the hardest thing you can do, to sing in front of people. When I finally let go and did it, I realized it is what I am most talented at and what I love to do the most."