Just off the release of her new album, Epiphany, Grammy Award Winning artist Chrisette Michele answers mtvU’s burning questions in The Hot Seat.
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
Chrisette Michele: Hmmm… Ewh… One of the boys pooped in the bathroom (which ur NOT allowed to do) and it smelled pretty strange for a day or so. Oh and when poor Solange sprained her ankle and had to sit in a chair like the trooper she is for the rest of her performances. Yeesh!
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
Chrisette Michele: When I was in college I had to learn how to put on eyelashes in a theatre make-up type of class. Poor mom spent so much money on college for me to play with make-up. But any class? The history of European fashion.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
Chrisette Michele:Wow! San Fran, Philly and SOHO in NY. Eclectic, full of underground hip hop and kewl rock bands, jazz lounges and yummy vegan food. Lotsa hot sneaker spots too!
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
Chrisette Michele: Lionel Richie told me to take it easy. Chill. Don’t forget about me time, and he said “you don’t have to go to ALLLLL the parties, pick and choose” I paraphrase. And LA Reid once told me “I don’t care what u do, as long as its from your soul”. And Neyo said “it doesn’t HAVE to rhyme” although I think it does. Yikes…
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
Chrisette Michele: Hop up out my beeeeeed!!!!! “Everybody knows” and “this time” by John Legend. Ummm… Been lisnin’ to Michael Jackson a lot lately… Coldplay… Just down loaded some Julie Andrews and Mahalia Jackson… And I’m studying “Bring in the Clowns” by Sarah Vaughn.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
Chrisette Michele: Last book? I read like 3 at a time. Eat Pray Love, Be Your Own Match Maker, Ephesians Chapter 2 verses 1 thru 8 good stuff. Americas Next Top Model!!!!!!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
Chrisette Michele: Probably the Clark sisters and Hezekiah Walker. Gospel. Amazing… But I grew up on it so it was the norm. Oh I saw this orchestral show when I was like 8. I was all about it. But my first experiences in big venues were more Broadway oriented. (How do u spell thoughroly?) Well “Thouroly Modern Milly” was my first favorite Broadway show. (I need to go bak 2 collig)
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
Chrisette Michele: Lip gloss, a flat iron and something with wheels (skateboard, bike, whatevs…somethin to play with) OH and The Jetsons dvd!!!! Ow!
9. Who are your major musical influences?
Chrisette Michele: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, John Legend, Erykah Badu, Muziq Soul Child, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Babyface, Gwen Stefani
Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Chrisette Michele: Follow me on twitter @epiphanygirl, Facebook, Myspace, Thisischrisettemichele.com I like to stay as close to my fan-family as possible.
And more importantly. Stay in school. Stay focused. Destiny is patient. Take your time. I did. And I still am.
With luv,
Chrisette michele
