So… we’re back in the studio shooting the third season of our talk show, “Exhale” and I’m super happy the band’s all back together! We just wrapped day one, and it was probably the best day of my entire life. Better than the day I was on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Better than the day Wanda Sykes tweeted “I love @ejthecomic.” Better than the day I first tried Nutella.
Because today I got to interview Johnny Gill.
I have loved Johnny Gill since I was about 9 years old. In fact, his was the first CD I ever owned. When my dad bought our family’s first CD player in 1990, my mom and I went straight to Sam Goody. She got Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and I picked out “Johnny Gill.” He is the best singer (don’t waste your time trying to argue this point) and my favorite New Edition-er by far and I’ve bought every one of his subsequent albums. I try to catch him whenever he’s on TV and if any of my friends sees he’s going to be on something, they’re always sure to let me know.
During the first season of “Exhale,” we did a show where we had some of the hosts’ favorite entertainers as guests. During the planning stages I dropped several not-very-subtle hints that I would love to meet Johnny Gill. Our fabulous booker, Carol, tried to get him, but there was a scheduling conflict and he couldn’t make it. I was super sad and so I recorded this [wide] open video letter asking him to come on the show if we got renewed for a second season.
We did get a second season! But still, no Johnny.
Fast forward to this past weekend when our producer sent over the shooting schedule and scripts for our first day of shooting. In the text of the email she wrote, “and Erin, please don’t have a heart attack :-)” I had a feeling and I couldn’t open the attachment quickly enough. Johnny Gill was going to be on set in two days’ time, and not only did I have to not faint, I was gonna have to lead the interview.
OMG-OMG-What-Am-I-Gonna-Wear-Gotta-Buy-A-Red-Dress-I-Cant-Interview-Johnny-Gill-If-I-Don’t-Have-A-Red-Dress-Or-Is-That-Too-Thirsty?
The interview should be fun to watch, if for no other reason than my complete inability to deal; I’m certain I looked like a lovesick pup throughout. But he was lovely. I didn’t wear a red dress, but I did wear a red top, which he complimented. And when he was getting ready to leave, he planted a kiss on my cheek.
And I kinda died.
Truly one of my favorite days ever.
Squeeeeeeee! I hope you’ll tune in this spring to catch the episode!