By MARIO WEIR
Frenchie Davis first hit the world stage in Season 2 of “American Idol.” Since then she has starred on stage in the Broadway and touring productions of “Rent,” “Dream Girls,” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (a performance that earned the singer her first Grammy nomination).
Last year, she hit the national spotlight again, joining Team Christina on NBC ’s hit show “The Voice,” and becoming one of the top four finalists. After her cover of “When Love Takes Over” landed at number three on the iTunes Dance Chart, she was ready to get started on an album—teaming with international singer/songwriter Janice Robinson to record “Love’s Got a Hold On Me,” her first single from the upcoming album, “Just Frenchie.” Hear it live when she performs the track this Saturday, October 13, at Bill’s Wilton Manors, on Wilton Drive. Mario Weir caught up with Davis for the Florida Agenda.
FA: Have you been in love?
FD: Love has been painful in the past.
These days it’s pretty wonderful. I’m in love
with a woman I think I can be with forever.
FA: Is being a prisoner to love a good
or bad thing?
FD: You have to find a balance. You want
to give your all to your partner without
losing yourself. You don’t want to wake up
one day not having a clue who you are anymore.
FA: What do you love about singing?
FD: I feel free when I sing and I love to create colors with my voice.
FA: Did you love starring on Broadway?
FD: Musical theatre was my first love, and how I first fell in love with music. The best part
was developing the discipline and endurance required to do eight shows a week. You hear
so many stories about performers suffering from exhaustion. After surviving the Broadway
schedule for five years, I believe I can survive anything.
FA: What part did hitting number three on iTunes play in releasing your own music now?
FD: It made me realize, maybe I can still do this. And maybe I can do dance music instead of
R&B. There are enough big black girls doing R&B already.
FA: Tell us about your first single, “Love’s Got a Hold On Me.”
FD: It’s a dance track written by my dear friend Janice Robinson, best known for the songs
she’s written for Deborah Cox and Ashley Tisdale. The track was produced by Magnificent, a
really talented artist from NYC. Brian Friedman, who I love for his work with Britney Spears and
“The X Factor,” co-directed and choreographed the video.
FA: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
FD: I love to go swimming at the beach. It relaxes me, and it is awesome exercise.
FA: What’s next?
FD: In addition to my debut album, I’m putting the finishing touches on my Christmas album.
And I’m really excited to be in talks about starting my own line of plus-size bras and lingerie!
For more information, visit FrenchieDavis.org and Facebook.com/OfficialFrenchie.
You can also follow her at Twitter.com/FrenchieDavis.
