By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
If you think you've known Brandy, you haven't seen anything yet.
The BV Newswire has learned that the former multimedia superstar will be the subject of an E! channel expose which will detail how she went from singing in a Mississippi church to rise to international stardom. The show also talks in detail about her professional ups and downs.
"Brandy: The E! True Hollywood Story" will premiere June 23 at 6pm et/pt on E!
Following in the path of a niche that was carved out by late hip-hop soul starlet Aaliyah, Brandy Ryanna Norwood stormed the music scene with her infectious pop and soul sensibilities. Previously known as a TV actress (on ABC's short-lived sitcom 'Thea'), the camera-ready musical prodigy seemed poised for mainstream success -- which she did achieve with a string of chart-topping singles, including 'Baby,' 'I Wanna Be Down' and 'Brokenhearted.'
From there, the precocious teen morphed into a superstar -- with a starring role in the TV show ('Moesha'), a CoverGirl contract, movie roles ('Cinderella' and 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,' respectively) and a Mattel doll. She garnered a Grammy Award for the record-breaking hit single duet 'The Boy Is Mine' (with Monica).
Along the way, she dealt with personal insecurities, a string of high-profile relationships (with then sought after black, rich young bachelors Kobe Bryant, Wanya Morris, Mase, and Quentin Richardson), and tragic loss including her involvement in the highly-publicized car accident that resulted in a fatality last December.
On the show, close associates, co-stars and industry colleagues sit with E! to disclose the personal and professional ups and downs of the young star, who when life spun out of control, never lost sight of her dream.
Some highlights below...
Producer Chris Stokes on the fatal car accident -- "I was just so overwhelmed and so sorry for the family and so sorry for Brandy. I was completely a loss for words."
'Moesha' co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph on the fatal car accident – "I do not believe that Brandy got up, got in her car with the intention to hit somebody."
Producer Mike City on Brandy's debut album – "To find out that she was only 14 years old, it sounded like she was 24. I was like this is crazy."
Former 'Vibe' magazine chief Emil Wilbekin on Brandy's mother taking over as her manager – "Sonja is definitely a pit bull, but I think she at the end of the day has Brandy's best interest at heart."
'Moesha' producer Ralph Farguhar on Brandy's initial reading for the show – "She was horrible. I called up my wife, I said 'I'm dead. I just sold the network a bag of smoke.'"
Sheryl Lee Ralph on show fans during their cross-country tour – "Oh we got trampled with the police and everything, everybody trying to get us to safety. It was just Moesha madness."
'Moesha' co-star Countess Vaughn on rumors of her fighting with Brandy – "What really pissed me off was because we were 15 years old, and these adults were coming in on an argument that would've blown over, but it didn't because of the outside and the media."
'Moesha' co-star Shar Jackson on Brandy's hectic schedule – " It got to a point where I'd see her, we'd spend the whole day together, and the only thing I saw her eat was a trail mix or something."
Sheryl Lee Ralph on Brandy's breakdown – "She just flat passed out. She was exhausted. She just passed out. That was it, boom."
Countess Vaughn on Brandy giving birth to daughter Sy'rai – "I believe it changed her life. She really brought something out of Brandy."
Shar Jackson on tragic death of co-star Merlin Santana in 2002 – "It hit her hard. It his us all really, really hard, but we were all there and being really, really supportive of each other."
Shar Jackson on tragic death of co-star Lamont Bentley in 2005 – "Losing Lamont, we're still not through that."
Music super-producer David Foster on Brandy – "She definitely caught lightning in a bottle and beat the odds because there's so many actors that are actors because the singing thing didn't work out, but she is one of the few that made the cross."
Through archival footage, Brandy also speaks on her relationships.
About her mother, she said, ""People hate on my mom so much, like they say, 'Well, Brandy's mom needs to let her grow up.' And sometimes she can be like a little over protective, but I don't know what I would do without her."
About the faux marriage to producer Robert Smith -- her daughter's father, she said, "Unfortunately, I didn't have the love so I had to be brave and say this is not where I want to be. I'm not happy. I need to move on."
About breaking up with Morris, who is believed to be her first love, she shared, "It's kind of hard because that was my only boyfriend in the whole world, so I'm still getting over him. I still can think about it and cry."
BV Extras:
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Comments: (119)
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By: Tracy Wright on 6/11/2007 3:55PM
This should be really good. Coach Sandals http://executees.com
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By: Debbie on 6/11/2007 8:05PM
I have followed Brandy's career as we are the same age so I know it from beginning to end..the interviews basically seem to answer the most hurtful times in the singer's life especially the deaths of Merlin and Lamont... I for one will not watch as for one her personal life should be private considering all the fiasco going on with the accident in 06.
Debbie
New York
www.DebbieDonovanTravel.com
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By: Tracy Wright on 6/11/2007 4:54PM
Sorry My Mistake http://executees.net for Coach Sandals
on Sale
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By: I press on 6/11/2007 8:07PM
I wonder if it will tell the whole truth like how she dogged Sheryl Lee Ralph for wearing her 'trademark' braids, and how she lied about being married and about the father of her child. I will watch, just to see if the truth really comes out.
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By: gail prince on 6/11/2007 10:21PM
branbran needs some proactiv like kelly clarkson and alicia keys did.
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By: Tyrelle Nelson on 6/11/2007 10:00PM
Man I have been wanting them to do this on her for years Can't wait to see it, Brandy hold ya head up... You will get thru this, regardless of what these immature clowns have to say...Knowing the norwood's I know they are good people and I wish nothing but the best for them & bran.
Can't wait for the new album!
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By: Tyrelle Nelson on 6/11/2007 10:00PM
I press, take that negative Bs elsewhere, no one care's abour her lying about nuthin, she spoke on it and moved on... you seem to be the only one stuck on stupid and double parked at dumb.
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By: Tyrelle Nelson on 6/11/2007 11:18PM
Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry
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By: renee brown frown miami a big fan. on 6/11/2007 11:24PM
brandy through it all i will always love and respect you as a wonderful person and always remember that God is in control and he loves you and so do i hold your head up regardless.
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By: Knuck on 6/11/2007 11:57PM
Brandy does not need proactiv. She doesn't even HAVE acne... she probably just had a breakout from stress. Anyway, I have been waiting for this forever. Even tho there are other specials, maybe this will shut some of these haters up that don't give credit where it's due.
http://www.brandyfan.com/forum?index.php
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