Exclusive Vanessa Williams Interview: In Her Words
Special Guest: Vanessa Williams + Interviewer: LadyJoBi
Date: October 2007
LadyJoBi: Let's start off with the obvious - Have you checked out UltimateVanessa.Com?
Vanessa: Yes and it’s fabulous! I am so flattered that someone cares so much about me! Thank you!
LadyJoBi: It has been said many times over the years that your eyes are blue, and then green. What color do you have your eyes listed as on your Driver's License?
Vanessa: They’re listed as green, but depending on what I wear and the lighting, they’re more gray than anything. My eye color is gray.
LadyJoBi: Having been in the business for over 20 years, how have you adjusted to all the crazy rumors and gossip that has been said or printed about you in recent years?
Vanessa: I don’t adjust. I don’t buy tabloid magazines or allow them in my house because I realize there are a lot of things said and assumed that are untrue - having been a victim of untrue rumors and gossip myself.
LadyJoBi: What's the biggest misconception you feel people have about you?
Vanessa: That I’m a diva is one thing. But also I think it’s just assumed that celebrities in general have a staff of people that raise their children, cook their meals and take care of them. Maybe I’m a control freak, but I do everything from cleaning my house, cooking, taking out garbage, grocery shopping, washing the car, and dropping the kids off at school. If I’m unavailable, I ask for help. But I’m definitely in control of my life.
LadyJoBi: What's up for you next in the Music Business? When can we expect more Music?
Vanessa: I did sign with Concord [Records] and we’re coming up with music and producers to record. It’s in the process and hopefully we’ll have something out by next year. I’ll be working with Keith Thomas, who did Save The Best For Last and Colors of The Wind, Rob Mathes, my musical director, and Walter A who’s worked with Mariah Carey and Celine Dion.
LadyJoBi: I totally loved your last CD Everlasting Love. My all time favorite song on the album was "Today and Everyday". What made you decide to record that track for the CD?
Vanessa: It was inspired by a poem that Rick had written for me early in our relationship before we got engaged and I always loved the poem. Since the album was about love and relations – love lorn, lost and found, I felt it important to add it to the album. Rob [Mathes] put music to the poem and enhanced it and turned it into an amazing song. It’s actually one of Sasha’s favorite songs since her Daddy wrote it and her Mommy sings it.
LadyJoBi: The images from the CD were absolutely beautiful. Was it fun doing the cover shoot for Everlasting Love?
Vanessa: Oh yeah! I had the glam squad - Oscar James on hair, Sam Fine on make-up. It was fun to have a photo shoot where I wasn’t playing a character and just being creative. Since it was a nod to the 70s, we did big hair like Donna Summer and the retro look.
LadyJoBi: Brian McKnight is my favorite Male artist of all time. Do you think there will more duets to come from you guys?
Vanessa: I don’t know. We had that collaboration because we were on the same label. It’s a lot easier when you’re under the same label. When you’re on different labels it’s harder to collaborate with all the legalities involved.
LadyJoBi: Who would you include on your top five list of singers to record with, that you have never gotten to record with thus far?
Vanessa: Sting, Stevie [Wonder], John Lucien, Bobby Caldwell who I sang with before but would love to sing with again and Rob Mathes. I really enjoy these artists. People that have seen my show love watching Rob and I sing duets. Every time he does a solo, it’s beautiful because you never expect that great voice of his.
LadyJoBi: What's in your Mp3 player as we speak?
Vanessa: Well, it’s always on random. Aaron Copeland, Steely Dan, Earth, Wind and Fire, D’angelo, the new Common CD I’ve been listening to a lot… Busta Rhymes and tons of Latin and Brazilian music.
LadyJoBi: Would you ever consider doing a reality show based on your life?
Vanessa: No because as much as the viewers think it’s “reality,” there’s still a camera there and you’re aware of it, so it’s not natural. My life’s not that interesting for a reality show and my home is my sanctuary, so the last thing I want are intruders there.
LadyJoBi: With all the Miss America drama that took place years ago, what made you say "yes" to the photo shoot for the "Look better naked" issue of Allure Magazine?
Vanessa: I was asked and I thought, at 43, I work hard to stay in shape and I had no problem. It’s not so much that I think I look great or beautiful, but I work very hard to stay healthy. I knew I’d be the oldest broad on that stage for the shoot. Plus I knew Kristen Chenoweth and I was in the company of good people. And I also worked with Paul Cavaco, the editor, and trusted him and his work. Paul actually shot me for Harper’s Bazaar when The Sweetest Days was being released in 1994.
LadyJoBi: What did your kids think of your picture and the pose once the issue hit the newsstands?
Vanessa: Sasha said “Ehhhh, Mommy! What are you doing?” The other kids weren’t really shocked. They’re troopers.
LadyJoBi: Describe each of your kids in two words?
Vanessa: Melanie-World traveler...Jillian-Carefree and Fun-loving...Devin-Italian car-obsessed...Sasha-Endless Energy
LadyJoBi: A lot of our male visitors to the site want to know if you’re currently dating?
Vanessa: No. I finished work last night at 3am. And 3am the night before. My call time is at 2:30 today so between getting up at 6:45 to drop Sasha at school and working ‘til wee hours, there’s just no time.
LadyJoBi: Would you be open to getting married once again?
Vanessa: I certainly love being married. I have no problems with marriage. I’m definitely not bitter. It would have to be the right person, and situation. Obviously I have a 7-year old daughter and three other children. A lot of people are invested in this family. I don’t know….
LadyJoBi: If you were not an Entertainer, what do you think you would be doing right now, Career wise?
Vanessa: Well, one option would be to be involved in dance or dance instruction because I definitely enjoy and love dance. I also love traveling and language, so probably something in cultural extensions of education. And, not necessarily event planning, but my mom used to play the organ for weddings and I used to love watching weddings. I wouldn’t want to be a wedding coordinator though. Design I enjoy too. More than likely, it would be dance.
LadyJoBi: The new season of Ugly Betty is set to start soon. It has been reported that Rick Fox will appear in a few of the episodes. Can you tell us what it was like working with your Ex on your turf and on the set of Ugly Betty?
Vanessa: He was great! The crew treated him well. His character premiers next week. He did a great job. He was funny and it was a great opportunity for him to play a funny character. I think people are surprised that I get along so well with my ex husbands and that astounds me. I co-parent just like any parents do. We raise our children together and I never feel like a single mother. I always have partners in raising my children and we never feel alone. Doing this role was a no-brainer for Rick. He said the vibe on our set was the most mellow and relaxed he’s ever been a part of. I always say that I am part of the best cast and crew with this show. Cast and crew members want to always come back because the environment is so great. Rick just came back to do episode 7, so he did 2 episodes.
LadyJoBi: Speaking of acting, who inspires you as an Actress?
Vanessa: I love Meryl Streep. She’s my favorite in terms if range, approach and subtlety. She’s a master.
LadyJoBi: Why would you consider yourself a role model?
Vanessa: It’s something that happens with attention and fame. It’s a responsibility whether you like it or not. I live my life as nobley as I can because I choose to and not because I feel pressured to do so. It’s my choice to live the life I lead and there are a lot of different factors in how you approach life and I’m happy with how mine is going.
LadyJoBi: Who was your role model growing up?
Vanessa: For dance, it was definitely Alvin Ailey and Donna Wood. Donna was a gorgeous dancer. She was definitely my dance role model. And, I never thought I’d be singer, but Chaka Khan was it - in terms of her fire, range, attitude and skill. Acting, I have to say Gene Wilder because not only did he do musicals like Willy Wonka, he was always a funny actor but not a standup comedian. I love his intelligence and comic sensibility in everything that he did.
LadyJoBi: Before closing what is something that your fans would be surprised that you do for fun?
Vanessa: Well, it’s not necessarily fun, but I think my fans would be surprised to know how skilled I am as a DIY’r… Do-It-Yourselfer. If the toilet runs, I know how to stop it and jimmy it up. I always have a screwdriver in my hand to fix anything. I grew up watching my dad who fixed so many problems. Because of him, we never had a handyman. He fixed it all - even neighbors’ roofs, and car engines. The only thing I stop at is electrical. I might take the wall off and look at the wiring, but if it doesn’t look simple, I’m not touching it. So, most people will probably be surprised to know that I do my own repairs.
LadyJoBi
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