For the past two years, we have had the pleasure of joining our friends at Barbizon Modeling for their annual Passport to Discovery cruise. PTD is a five-day trip around the Caribbean, where professionals in the modeling, fashion, acting and photography industries get a chance to meet aspiring talent in a series of competitions that showcase their skills—all on a cruise ship! GL discovered breakout model Ashanee on board last year...and many participants scored agents, auditions and contracts. So exciting!

But while PTD participants also get the chance to attend exclusive workshops and special training seshes, the getaway isn't all work. A vacay wouldn’t be complete without some major fun—and this year was no exception. We—and everyone onboard—had a blast cruising in the sun, hitting up themed parties each night and and enjoying beautiful stops in Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman. Oh, and we almost forgot: The ship was treated to a very special acoustic performance by Cody Simpson!

Yes, you read that right. The 17-year-old Aussie pop singer was on a boat—with us—and he’s as sweet as you’d expect. All it took was Cody, his guitar and some stripped down versions of his hits like “La Da Dee” and “Pretty Brown Eyes” to make a ship filled of onlookers go crazy with excitement.

No one could have been more excited than us, though. After his chill performance, Cody was kind enough to sit down with GL and answer a few Qs. Here’s what he had to say about on-stage confidence and what’s in store for him in 2015 (hint: it involves new music).

GL: What was it like being onboard Passport to Discovery this year?

Cody: It was an awesome experience. I loved the enthusiasm and livelihood of the crew and the fans. It was a unique, intimate experience that I got to share with the people on board.

PTD is all about aspiring models and actors trying to get discovered. What advice would you give other teens out there trying to break into the business?

I’d say be yourself! Being you is beautiful and character will get you the furthest.

There’s no denying that you can bring a packed house to their feet during a performance. What’s your advice for having confidence out on stage?

My advice is to just perform like you do in front of your mirror at home.

Now that 2014 is coming to an end, do you have anything lined up for 2015?

I have a big project coming up in January—a complete rejuvenation of my sound as an artist. I’m excited to share it with you, so stay tuned!

For more info on Barbizon's Passport to Discovery, CLICK HERE.

To stay up to date on all of Cody Simpson’s latest happenings, CLICK HERE.

Are you a Cody Simpson fan? Do you want to try and break into the modeling and entertainment industry? Share in the comments below.

POSTED IN entertainment, Cody Simpson, Celebs