About a month ago I was talking to a couple of nice people who work at Mandisa‘s record label about giving away some CDs, and during the course of the conversation I said something along the lines of, “Hey, you know what? I would love to ask Mandisa some questions.”
LIKE I’M A JOURNALIST OR SOMETHING.
Much to my surprise, they didn’t hoot and guffaw at my idea – they totally made it happen.
And oh, were my questions for sweet Mandisa ever hard-hitting. Because any good journalist will tell you that the path to interviewing success is to ask your subject WHAT KIND OF MAKE-UP SHE LIKES.
I mean, Diane Sawyer has built her whole career on that very strategy.
Anyway, Mandisa was oh-so-gracious to answer all of my questions – and there was so much good stuff from her that I’m actually going to post the interview in two parts. Part One will be today, and I’ll post Part Two this Friday when I announce who has won the fabulous prizes.
What fabulous prizes, you ask?
Well, since Shannon is having the Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway this week, I thought it would be a great chance to give away five copies of Mandisa’s new book, Idoleyes – and ten copies of Mandisa’s upcoming full-length CD, True Beauty. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.
And also: as you read the interview, be sure to notice that Mandisa actually mentioned Emma Kate in one of her answers – probably because I mentioned Emma Kate in one of the questions. But still. It’s really only a matter of time before Emma Kate has a t-shirt made that says, “MANDISA MENTIONED ME IN AN INTERVIEW, Y’ALL. ON THE INTERNET.”
So here’s part one.
Now tell me the truth, Mandisa: did you ever dare to dream that one day, as the result of a new book and a new CD, you’d have the opportunity to answer questions for a blog with a klassy name like “BooMama”?
Now I feel like my dreams have finally come true!!!
I’m a Southern girl by birth, and I know you’re a Southern girl by choice, so I think we need to get a few Southern girl questions out of the way. Ready?
– favorite brand of make-up?
MAC eye shadows & lip glosses and Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation.
– favorite place for BBQ?
My best friend Chandra’s dad’s house in Conway, AR. He can throw down!
– Coke or Pepsi?
I’m a Pepsi girl.
– favorite home-cooked meal?
Fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and corn bread…mmmmm!
– favorite place to shop?
Ashley Stewart
Another Terribly Important question: what do you use to clean your face? I ask because YOUR SKIN IS GORGEOUS, and I want to do whatever you’re doing. Rightthissecond.
Awww, thanks! I use Proactiv Solution because I have battled acne and this not only helps with that but gives my skin a really smooth surface.
All righty – now that the important stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about singing. Because you can’t just sing – you can SANG, and there is SUCH a difference.
I first heard you sing (SANG) at a Living Proof Live event in Knoxville back in 2005, and I hummed “Shackles” the whole way home – because YOU ROCKED IT. How did you first meet Travis Cottrell and the LPL praise team?
I used to work in the customer service department of LifeWay Church Resources and would sing in their chapel services occasionally. One year they were having a spring revival featuring special guest Travis Cottrell and they put together a praise team of employees to sing with him. He called shortly after and invited me to sing with him at a Beth Moore event in Charlotte, NC. I became a part of his team from that moment on and continued with those events for 5 years.
Do you look back on your time with LPL and think OH YEAH – God was totally laying the foundation for the time on “American Idol”?
Absolutely! I can trace the hand of God all over my life, including my time with Living Proof Live. I certainly wouldn’t be the woman I am today if I had not been trained and taught through those very crucial years.
I remember looking on the “AI” website the day after the competition was down to twelve finalists, and you mentioned Beth Moore in your Q & A. It really resonated with me because her ministry has affected me (and so many of the women who read my blog) in a huge way. What kind of impact has her ministry had on your life?
Beth is the godliest person I know. I did her “Breaking Free†Bible study in college and it resonated with me so deeply. You can imagine my elation when I met her in person and became a part of her ministry. I could have died a happy woman right then! Beth tells a story of one of her mentors, Buddy. She was a young, green, bound up girl when she attended a Bible class Buddy was teaching. She left crying out to the Lord that “whatever it is he has, I WANT IT!â€. I found myself praying the same thing about Beth. When I saw her passion for God and love for His Word, I prayed that He would bless me with the same passion. God used my time under her teaching to shape me into who I am today.
Singing seems so natural to you – effortless, almost. But when did singing start to feel like God’s calling on your life? Was it just a general impression you had – or something much more specific?
I have been singing since I was a little girl. Even as a child, when people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always a singer. As I grew older people would begin to follow up with, “What will you fall back on if that doesn’t work out?†My reply would always be, “I’m not planning on falling backâ€. It is what I have always wanted to do and I believe God placed the desire in me at a very early age.
My best friend Emma Kate was FURIOUS when you were voted off of “AI” – so will you please assure her that you’re okay? I mean, things seem to have worked out pretty well for you, what with your fabulous new CD and a #1 single and all.
While I must confess that being eliminated was very difficult for me in the beginning because of some controversies surrounding me, I am a living witness that you don’t have to win American Idol to be successful from it. When I got off of the AI tour I had a recording contract, a book publishing contract, and a modeling contract. Please assure Emma Kate that I am better than okay. I am living a bigger dream than I ever dreamt for myself!
She is, in a word, delightful.
And for more great giveaways, visit Shannon’s place. All week long.
I would love a CD by Mandisa! I was heart broken when she was voted off!
I’d love a CD lady! Love the blog too!
Genny from Baton Rouge
Count me in, too! And that really was a terrific interview. I LOVE Madisa!!! She was/is such an amazing light for God through the AI process and beyond!
count me in! pick me, pick me!
Great post!
That was great! May I enter the drawing please? That would be the Blogless, Lurker from Tennessee.
Way cool!!!!
julie_ruhlman@hotmail.com
http://www.xanga.com/aahcoffee
Yep – we loved her too!!! And her testimony is wonderful!!! Count me in for the drawing!!! I’d LOVE that CD!!!
WOW! She is so down-to-earth and just like us! How cool that you got to “interview” her! Please put me in the drawing!
How very cool!!
Tonni
Love Mandisa! Please enter me!
Laurie
::fingers crossed::
Not blogless but at work and can’t remember the “address” for it – you know who I am – think ‘Husky Buffalo’ – not meaning me, of course – just the phrase.
I am so in awe, I just don’t know what to say BooMama. Except thanks. I am so glad you tackled the “tough” questions. I’m surprised you didn’t ask her about wearing white before Memorial Day! :) Or whatever the controversy is!
Enter me please..
you are the next diane sawyer! great interview.
Great interview. Can’t wait to read the second part.
Count me in on the giveaway!
I already won the first cd, but if I can win the WHOLE cd, of course I would be delighted! But, if there is fine print disqualifying, I totally understand, because I do not want to be greedy :0!
Wonderful! Wonderful! Look out Katie Couric!
Me, please.
I Loved Mandisa on AI! So excited that she has a CD coming out. Did you talk to her on the phone, or over email?
Chris from MI
How cool that you got to interview her, Boo Mama. I’d love to read that book. Please count me in.
She has a beautiful voice. Thanks much.
Your awesome for doing this interview. You really are “the bomb”! Keep up the good work. You have become my source for good reads, music, etc……
Love, love, love this post! I think it’s my favorite one. You are so awesome to interview Mandisa and the questions and answers are great. Count me in on the drawing, but the odds are getting pretty up there now!
boomama, i only resently found you on the blog. i love you, mainly because you make me laugh. thank you. please enter me in your great give a way.
Please pick me! I loved her on AI.
Thanks.
I missed her on American Idol (GASP!) because I was under a rock I guess, but I’ve become a huge fan since her single hit the radio. I love her!
I’m in!
Thanks and be sure to enter mine for “Simple Abundance”.
I’d love to get a book or a CD!
Holy Canolli, I’ve never seen so many comements! Miss BooMama, you DO NOT give yourself enough credit! Your questions were quite well thought out, and very insightful. You did a great job, I really felt her “true self” through her answers. Thanks for the chance to win something!
you did a great job with the questions. i really enjoyed reading the interview.
How cool is that? I would love to meet her or at least listen to her CD. *wink* Count me in please!
Great questions! I love her.
Sign me up!!
How cool that you got to interview her. :-) She sounds like an awesome lady! And very good taste too–I mean fried chicken, mac&cheese, greens, cornbread–mmmmmmmmm! And hangin’ out with Beth can’t be that bad for ya either…
Oooh, please enter me!
I hope you’ll visit me, too – I’m #180 at the Bloggy Giveaway hub!
Thanks so much for the heads up on monk & neagle! Got my cd today!
Count me in!! I love her voice.
Great giveaway! Mandisa is my daughter’s favorite! Count me in!
I love Mandisa! Thanks for a great give away!
count me in –
How much fun, interviewing Mandisa! You did a fabulous job! No surprise of course… =)
Would love to win this! Count me in please!
Oh give ME some Mandisa, please!
My giveaway is Mr. Linky #232…think Harry Potter.
Would LOVE to win this. (Who wouldn’t!) She’s on our radio all the time. Great interview, too!
Love the interview! Great questions! I am looking forward to reading the rest!
I am lovin’ this!! Count me in-I want to dance to her new cd–in my house behind closed doors, of course!
Great interview!! Please enter me in the draw.
I’m in too!
Fun interview!
Got the monk & neagle cd today, love it!
My daughter wants me to tell you that her friend Tyler has a bunny named boobunny.
LOL what a great giveaway and how cool that you got to interview her!
count me in!
WOOOOHOOOO!!!
Great interview- consider yourself a supastar!! I love me some Mandisa!
Count me in for the give-away AND I can’t wait for the M and N give away (esp not til September! when it’ll be out in the stores!)
Katie Couric better look out :) !!!
Great Interview Mama – I could get at t-shirt that says my pretend bff interviewed her pretend bff and it would be in a sassy colour for sure!
Cheryl
Awsome interview. Can’t wait for part two.
Please count me in the drawing.
Lyndy
Please enter me for the CDs. Sounds great!
count me in
Great interview but what I really wanted to say is 254 comments (I guess that would be 255 now) is a lot of comments. A LOT.
Kate
How refreshing to see that Hollywood was no match for our Lord. Mandisa is great and has remained authentic. Hope I win that book/cd! Blessings, y’all!
I really don’t have a chance of winning, but it never hurts to try…right?!? More than wanting to win, I did want to just thank you for such a fun interview. So cool! She sounds amazing!
I can’t wait for part two of the interview!!! What a great gal that Mandisa is! :)
I love Mandisa’s voice! Please count me in!
oh, pick me! I love her!!!
Please include me, BooMama! This is a great giveaway!
Wow, now I am one degree of separation from talking to Mandisa. I am holding my breath for the Nicole interview. Oh and please enter me!
Too great! Please include me!
Thanks a bunch!
You’re a far better journalist than many of the people who do it for a living. Nice interview!
First, how cool is that? Second, I would love to win!!! Sign me up!
That’s so awesome that you got to talk to her! Please enter me into the fun!!
She is just so gracious and grateful – as a woman in the public eye who professes Christ as her Lord, she does us all proud!
Thanks for sharing!
~Jen
Kudos on great interview – i would love to be counted in on the giveaway!!
Counting down the days till the DAWGS play on the the 30th!!
Great interview! Count me in the drawing with the other three thousand commenters!
Pick Me Pick Me!
Great interview! She sounds like a down-to-earth sweet-heart!
I’d love to win one of her cd’s, please enter me into your drawing.
Great job w/the questions!! LOVE Mandisa!! Would love to win this contest!! PTL!
Thanks for sharing! Lovely post!
oh my word! there is a lot of mandisa love going on here. enjoyed the interview. klassy!
Please include me! Thank you!
Me too, please m’am! :)
Awesome! Thanks for the Monk and Neagle CD. I got it Saturday. Your’e right, they are wonderful!
I want to win!
Sign me up to win!
LOVE Mandisa (I won her CD single from you!) — please count me in! :)
I’d love to win
Thank you
How fun was that- and I can’t help but Love a woman who wears and LOVES MAC makeup! :) That’s all I wear! :)
I don’t know why I bother, as I am comment 283, or some ridiculous number like that, but, SURE! Count me in too! I want to win! Pick Me! Pick Me!
Thanks!
Wow! What a great thing! I cannot wait to read the other half!
Everytime I make it over here I am blessed!
In His love,
Angela
Bowing down to you Boo Mama…metaphorically only of course. You rock. How did you get that interview? And she mentioned Conway Arkansas..I grew up about 30 minutes from there!!!
Count me in your drawings. Thank you from North Texas!
I loved the interview BooMama!
She just made me so proud watching her on AI! I was pulling for her to win but was even more proud of the way she handled herself with Simon. And now I find out we both are Estee Lauder DoubleWear fans! Boomama…you are one tough interviewer! Thanks for getting Mandisa to open up and share girl stuff with us.
I am so excited that you will be giving away the book and the CD’s. I met Mandisa at Beth’s conference in Boone, NC in May this year. My friends that went with me passed right by her (not seeing her) but I stopped and talked. She was so sweet and very gracious. And you are sooooo right – the girl can SANG.
HOW MUCH FUN IS THAT???
Love Mandisa and really really really want to win this!
Such a nice “girl talk” you had with Mandissa. I’m just sorry I missed it!
Alesha
Hope I win! But it’s OK if I don’t. Great interview!
please enter me :)
yay! good stuff, booMama!
love&blessings,
heather
I missed seeing Mandisa at a Luis Palau event recently cause my little one took a longer than usual afternoon nap that day. Winning her book or CD might help make up for that, though!
Sign me up! I want to win…again.
My Monk & Neagle CD arrived this afternoon. Oh.MY.Word!!!!!!!!!!! I’m in heaven. Thank you, thank you!
You Rock!
Hugs!
Kat
I’m in! :)
Oh my. What GREAT prizes!
I wanna win!
Thanks!
Please include me in the drawing. Thanks.
I live near Houston Texas. And Mandisa is going to be at a concert there soon. I just am not able to get off from work to go and hear her. There are some other Christian groups who will also be singing there too. So if I could win her CD I will play it really loud and pretend to be at the concert with all the others.
This totally rawks! Please count me in, and don’t forget to stop by MY blog for a giveaway too. Thanks, and have a great week!