Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins appears to be riding under the radar on NBC's hit reality series 'Celebrity Apprentice,' but the TLC vocalist confessed to me that everything you see on television doesn't necessarily reflect what actually transpired on the show.
The 38-year-old singer, who is now dating NFL linebacker Takeo Spikes, also talked about a possible TLC movie, why girl groups are dysfunctional and why she hated her performance with Alicia Keys at the BET Awards in 2008.
T-Boz, who was preparing to go to Japan with group member Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas to headline several concert dates the day before our interview, was an open book as we separated fact from fiction and left no stone unturned.
So we're starting to see more of you on 'Celebrity Apprentice.' Did you intentionally play low-key in the beginning?
If you don't keep up drama, they don't show you anyway, and I just feel like they have their favorites. If you're not into it then Trump's not into you, and that's just the way I feel about it. He likes poker, he likes golf, Playboy bunnies and he likes sports and that's his thing.
You had your big win on episode five and won a check for your charity. How did that feel?
It was a bittersweet night for me because I won, but they made it so depressing with the alcohol thing with Dennis Rodman so it almost took the glory out of winning. As far as me, it was heartwarming because sickle cell is something I'm very passionate about being that I have the disease and I'm a national spokesperson. I do a lot of things because I want to help others, but I want to be that chick that's here to see my daughter grow old. I want to be a grandmother. I want to cheer for all of us, and it's really a personal struggle and a fight for me.
Do you think Dennis Rodman got professional help after that episode? Because it was sad, and I was hoping Donald Trump would bring out Dr. Drew Pinksy and announce that Dennis was headed to 'Celebrity Rehab' at the end.
Dennis says that he doesn't have a problem, so that's the answer really in itself. If he doesn't think he has a problem then he's not gonna go get help because he don't think anything is wrong. Honestly, we worked six days a week and 15 to 18 hour days. When we're up at 5 a.m. and you already have cranberry and vodka mixed at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m., it's like 'hello.' I want to say this about Dennis, though. He's a very smart man when it comes to marketing. He's like an artist. I noticed how creative he is because of the marketing stuff, like the wedding dresses. You know how he used to do with the hair colors? He's smart, but the alcohol clouds his judgment. I think that's the problem.
Who were you closest to on the show?
I really got close to Brande [Roderick], the Playboy chick. She is the cutest thing, but she's actually really cool. I love Jesse James, Herschel Walker and Tom Green. I really liked the guys a lot, but I got along with all of the women. They didn't really bother me much. Natalie [Gulbis] is a really sweet person. We didn't get close, but I just like her as a person. She's a nice little Christian girl, and I liked that about her.
Annie Duke seems like a piece of work!
Annie is very controlling, and you cannot take this away from her. She's a very smart woman and a very hard worker, but her people skills suck. She has no personality. The problem is Annie doesn't talk to people with respect, so I had to tell her that I don't disrespect myself, and I'm not about to let you disrespect me so watch how you talk to me. She respected what I said to her, because I told her that she is not a team player and this is a team. We said that Annie spells her name Anniiiii. It's all good.
What was your interaction with Brian McKnight like?
Brian is a spoiled little brat for real. I like him though, but he's an a--hole. He has so much talent and he was very nice to me, but he was really trippin'. I asked him if he was gonna talk, and he said that he would talk a little bit. But when we're off set and in the hallway, it's okay to say hi.
Before you went on the show your mom gave you a lecture, right?
As far as my mother, I'm one of those people who doesn't believe in arguing with strangers, so I argue and put energy into people I care about and love. I'm not gonna argue with some chick that I don't know and don't care about. If I get mad, I'll take it the whole nine yards, if you know what I mean. They g
et too personal and this is not your real job so chill out. We're playing for charity, but they were crying and getting all upset.
Now that you know how the show is done, who would you pick to be on the third season of the show next year?
I would just put Omarosa back on there because she's ignorant – in a good way. I love the way she attacks people! She's just great TV. She doesn't care what she does. I feel I could fill it with Dennis Rodman and Omarosa because I'm not gonna Omarosa-it, but I want somebody else who will. I'll watch it all day long.
Let's shift gears a little. Your good friend Kandi Burruss is the new member of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.' What do you think about that?
It's funny because she really has a great career for herself and she's a phenomenal writer, so she has a lot of different things going for her than the other wives. I was happy to hear that she is engaged so that's great. Kim is kind of doing her thing with married men, NeNe has a different approach and Sheree and Lisa Wu are sweet. I don't think people know that Kandi has a raw personality, so I would like to see who she is going to bump heads with, because she doesn't take any mess either. That's gonna be interesting. If you don't pluck her nerves, she's easygoing, but if you do, I can't wait to see her mouthpiece. She's not one of the wives where the husband makes a lot of money and she uses his money to start a business. She's coming to the table like, 'Damn, I am paid because I wrote 'No Scrubs' for TLC and those early hits for Destiny's Child. You better check my resume.' I love that.
Did you tape an appearance on the show?
We just went to lunch and that's something that's natural. What you see is what we would have naturally done. The only reason and the only person that I would have gone on that show for was Kandi and that's love.
I hear you and Chilli have been approached about a TLC movie. Monique Coleman from 'High School Musical' says it's her dream to play Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes in a film.
That's awesome to hear. I am interested now whereas I wasn't before. I actually do want to pursue making this movie. We're talking to companies now so right now it's just talk. People are actively pursuing it and that's a great thing.
What actress would you like to play you in the film?
It would have to be a girl who has a lot of cool personality like a prissy tomboy. She has to look good with blond hair, because she must swag out the blond. I love Kyla Pratt. She has a lot of personality and a lot of spunk. I think Meagan Good can do it, too. I like both of them. In 'ATL,' Lauren London played me and she did a great job. 'ATL' was about Dallas Austin and my experience growing up in the skating rink. The only difference was that we [were not in a relationship]. That was part of the movie. I executive produced it, and it was a part of my life. That was really my story.
What actress should play Chilli? I pick Keshia Knight Pulliam or Tatyana Ali or anyone else who can brush down their baby hair.
Those are two good picks. Keshia still has that valley girl in her and so does Tatyana, so they make great looks, but they have to get rid of the valley girl part, because Rozanda has no valley girl in her at all. You can buy the lace-front weave and anybody can have her hair. All you got to do is call up Tyra Banks and ask her where she gets her wigs from.
Alicia Keys got you and Chilli to reunite and perform on last year's BET Awards. How did it make you feel that a singer who wasn't even in a girl group professionally wanted to celebrate TLC, SWV and En Vogue like that?
I love Alicia and that was the only reason I did it. We've never said yes to perform with anybody, ever. She is one of those people that you respect and feel honored to be asked and that's why we said yes. I don't count the BET Awards as a real TLC performance. That was just a mess altogether. That was a terrible day for me. It wasn't a regular TLC show anyway. At a real TLC show, we run things and are energetic and dance. That was just a hot mess. I'm very excited to do what we do, and I'll be back in my element. That sure wasn't my element. I'm happy to be back, and we'll be doing it the way that we do it.
There are currently no girl groups in the music business. They all seem to break up. Why do you think it's like that?
I feel like girls are anal, bitchy and bitter. They're jealous, envious and compete with each other even though they say they don't. It always brings issues. They can't differentiate that this is business, and we don't have to be best friends. We just have to work together. People have a hard time living with that, because it becomes fake and you have to keep up this whole façade, and you just can't deal with it and break up. At the end of the day, it's about making money and having a career. Nobody said you have to go home and hug every day. Some girls can't deal with that, and I've always had girl problems. Girls and me just don't mix. They've always been jealous, tried to take my boyfriends and lie on me. I get it because I've always had that happen to me. That's
why I would never do a girl group again. I'm happy to have been with the two I was with, but I would never bring another girl in and start a new group. You don't have to worry about that with me.
When you hear stories about what's going on with Destiny's Child and Kelly Rowland having to fire Mathew Knowles to finally get attention, what are your thoughts?
They get mad when I say this, but I don't give a damn. It was all about Beyonce anyway. She was my favorite, too, but come on. Her parents are over everything. Who do you think they were going for? It's always Beyonce. It was supposed to be exactly the way it is now, Bey is on top. I love Beyonce, and I am a fan of hers. She was my favorite in the group even before they were Destiny's Child and they were the Baby Dolls. She was so cute and pretty. I like all of them, and I wish Kelly the best. When you're in a girl group, you have differences, and you have to learn how to respectfully agree to disagree. There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that people don't know about. Some girl groups have girls trying to steal other girls' boyfriends and that's the ultimate no-no. You have situations like the Kelly thing and Beyonce's parents. You can say that I'm out for everybody, but if Lisa was to bring somebody in that's her boyfriend, then I'm gonna feel like you got Lisa's back more than mine, and that's gonna be a no-no. I just think that brings a conflict of interest in the beginning. That would have been a hard group for me to be in, because I would have been like your mommy and daddy are running things and they're gonna have you at heart the most. That's just how I feel.
*****
Look out for part two with Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out her videos and her Web site at www.Boz-Bizz.com.
*****
+More on The Rundown blog
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'
Getty Images
3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
Jemal Countess, WireImage
3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.
Evening Standard / Getty Images
3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
Santiago Llanquin / AP
3/19/09: Kim Burrell
Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.
Zomba
3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic
3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'
Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images





Comments: (88)
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By: Valerie L. on 4/05/2009 11:22PM
I THINK ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS SHOULD BOYCOTT EVERYTHING TRUMP BECAUSE OF HOW HE FIRED T-BOZ.IT WAS NOT FAIR!!!!! BOTH PROJECT MANAGERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED!!! I REFUSE TO WATCH IT ANYMORE! I HOPE OTHERS WILL NOT EITHER. JUST ONE BLACK WOMEN'S OPINION!!!
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By: HoneyKone on 4/06/2009 8:48AM
Sorry, but I disagree. I think T-Boz deserved to be fired. Why would she volunteer to go to the boardroom? What purpose did she think she would serve by "supporting" Melissa Rivers? I doubt very seriously that Melissa Rivers would've done the same for her.
Besides, you know that when you enter the boardroom, there is a possibility that YOU may end up getting fired. It was a cocky move by T-Boz and Trump showed her what can happen when you put yourself on the line.
BTW, I love T-Boz... but, I totally understood where Trump was coming from.
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By: Wembeley on 4/06/2009 5:09PM
Trump is just a jerk. Both people he fired were for wrong and lame reasons. He forces them to bring two people in with them and then punishes someone for being a team player and then doesn't fire Clint and fires Khloe for something she did in her past and is paying for and trying to make up for. Sometimes there is an obvious person to fire but othertimes he just fires for no reason. One thing he did say right is that Clint was smart for not bringing in Joan cuz he wouldn't have fired her. Also notice how his receptionist is always a cute young camera friendly girl? I watch the show to see celebrities I like, if Joan goes, that will be it for me watching the show. Also I think he gets off on celebrities bowing down to him and taking his orders. He would never do regular apprentice now. And what a cheapskate, 20k if you win? It should be at least 50k.
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By: Diva on 4/06/2009 5:02PM
The same here, I will not watch this show again. The show was letting go of the project leaders and now all of a sudden, he's just firing people for no reason - that's bullCRAP. And Clint Balck and Melissa Rivers both lied out of their faces. What happened to I will be the one to get fired instead of you. I WILL NOT WATCH THIS SHOW AGAIN, IT'S PHONEY AND DONALD TRUMP IS FULL OF SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA.
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By: g8ndaboyz on 4/07/2009 11:40AM
boycott? what, not go into any of his buildings? yeah, that'll hurt. lol.
btw, never heard of most of the 'celebrities,' more like never-was or has-beens.
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By: Jessy James on 4/07/2009 1:19PM
Of course it would be a black person to boycott and make things about race.. boycott that
just my opinion
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By: mr lol on 4/07/2009 3:10PM
I'm not boycotting The Apprentice. T Boz was a fool to volunteer to go into the boardroom. She got fired standing by that no talent Melissa Rivers. Donald Trump is clearly going to show Joan Rivers and her daughter favoritism over her. T-Bozo the clown did this to herself.
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By: YIANNIS on 4/07/2009 11:34PM
YEA HE WAS TO HIRE HIM AT THE END BECAUSE HE IS BLACK. HAPPENS EVERYDAY EVERYWHERE
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By: Irish on 4/09/2009 2:50PM
All reality is stupid. Don't stop at just boycotting, you really shouldn't watch ANY of it. Pretty soon, they'll be killing people on live television for entertainment purposes. And guess what, there will be dumb folks like Rodman and T-Box (maybe not dumb...just needing to stay in the spot light) signing up for the show. It is all trash and people who watch it are for lack of a better word...NUTS.
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By: TLC on 4/24/2009 2:20PM
Tionne didnt agree to be on the Apprentice for attention for herself, she did it for her charity, To bring attention to a disease that a lot of people don't know about, She got her money and she really didnt care that she got fired, because she got what she went there for.
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