Thank God I don't look like what I've been through, because I'm sure it would be hard to look at. Despite the mistakes I've made and the obstacles that I've overcome, I'm grateful that today I have an opportunity to start over and do things differently if I choose to without remorse of the past or regret for having stumbled. Celebrities aren't offered this same grace.
When a star finds themselves in the middle of a messy situation, they're forced to relive their trauma again and again via tabloid and social media. This daunting fact leaves stars to face a tragic end that is as highly publicized as the pain that they suffered. High profile figures will forever be associated with the wrongs of their past, because somewhere along the line, we forgot that a person's mistakes do not define them.
Whitney Houston is arguably one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century, and now, the only thing associated with her name is drug use. When you think of the lives of artists like The Beatles, or even Elton John, who were reportedly avid drug users, you don't automatically associate their music with their struggle, but Whitney's case, despite her immense talent and influence, is quite different.
In the past, networks like Showtime have sought to retell her narrative in a way that does her legendary career justice, but July 6, we will get a look at Whitney's life in a way that critics say will reframe everything we think we know about the singer.
Singer Whitney Houston photographed in February 1982 when she was a senior in high school.Jack Mitchell/Getty Images
Anyone who has dealt with or known someone struggling with substance abuse understands that the drug isn't really the source of the addiction. There is usually an underlying source or trigger that causes a person to use drugs as a bandaid, but until deep-seated issues are confronted, the wound never really heals and the addiction can never come to an end. The movie explores the pressure that weighed on the iconic singer, that originally stemmed from her broken childhood, riddled with infidelity and mistrust that was later reflected in her own family life as an adult.
The movie reveals the story behind the legend's rise to fame, and promises to answer many of the questions that we've had since her tragic death in 2012. The movie promises to answer many of the questions that all of us have had since that day. Whitney features commentary from the people that were closest to her during her lifetime, including her sister, who admits to giving the singer drugs at an early age, her brothers, who were stealing from her, and Bobby Brown, who is often blamed for her downfall.
The singer struggled with many of the same issues that burden many other women of color, including insecurity, infidelity, and molestation, except Whitney's battle was on a displayed on a public platform.
Throughout the movie, we will see the disintegration of both the voice and the identity of a woman who brought the world so much magic. It is my hope that the film will humanize the singer and allow people to understand that Whitney was no different from you, me, or our sisters and mothers.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Whitney Houston was a woman of color who carried the weight of the world to no avail, and then one day it got too heavy. Giving an intimate account of the trials and trauma that Whitney endured should help us keep in mind that her missteps do not take away from the gift of love that she once had to offer this world through her incomparable talent.
Her former publicist agreed, and said:
"I hope after watching this, people are going to have more empathy toward Whitney, and not think she was this foolish girl who squandered her life. I hope they know there was something going on in her, behind everything, that explains it all."
In our hearts, you will forever be our fairy godmother in the sky. Whitney will debut in theatres July 6. If you haven't already, watch the trailer below:
- Lifetime's Whitney Houston Biopic: What the Critics Are Saying ... ›
- Will The New 'Authorized' Whitney Houston Documentary Be Better ... ›
- Whitney Houston Documentary Gets Release Date – Variety ›
- Whitney Houston's Family Slams Lifetime Over Biopic - Rolling Stone ›
- Whitney Houston film trailer: Biopic reveals all in HEARTBREAKING ... ›
- Whitney (2018) - IMDb ›
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage