Shanice | True Story of “I Love Your Smile,” Singing For Michael Jackson & Ella Fitzgerald

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:59:33 +0000

See Shanice as Michelle Obama in 44: The Musical: https://44theobamamusical.com/

Shanice sits down with Shawn Stockman for a deep, story-filled conversation that feels like an R&B history lesson and a behind-the-scenes masterclass. She takes us back to the moment “I Love Your Smile” became a global hit, including the label decisions she fought for and the ones she wishes had gone differently. The conversation also comes full circle with the childhood dream she spoke out loud as a kid—wanting to meet Michael Jackson—and how that dream later became reality when she ended up singing background vocals on several of his records.

Along the way, Shanice shares incredible “Easter egg” moments from her career: booking a commercial at just nine years old alongside Ella Fitzgerald, winning Star Search, and navigating the unpredictable realities of the music industry. She also opens up about losing her record deal while five months pregnant, a moment that revealed how labels treated female artists at the time. From unexpected collaborations to legendary industry connections—including stories involving Justin Timberlake, Babyface, and Barbra Streisand—this episode is packed with music history, honesty, and unforgettable moments.

00:00 Welcome to On That Note with Shanice
03:32 Motown Memories with Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill & Stevie Wonder
06:11 Why the 90s Was the Greatest Era of Music
08:39 Streaming, Algorithms & What Happened to the Industry
18:31 HIT SONG: The Real Story Behind “I Love Your Smile”
23:02 Growing Up a Child Prodigy in a Musical Family
26:39 BREAKTHROUGH: Singing with Ella Fitzgerald & Winning Star Search
29:35 Signing Her First Record Deal at Just 11 Years Old
32:07 MICHAEL JACKSON: The Studio Connection & Background Vocals
35:47 Industry Lows, Missed Singles & Label Decisions
41:36 Image Pressure, Rumors & Industry Expectations
43:40 BABYFACE: Hidden Credits & Barbra Streisand Sessions
44:53 PRINCE: Inside Paisley Park Studio Memories
45:42 Quiet Industry Success You Didn’t Know About
48:49 The Song Shanice Sang on Her Wedding Night
01:01:18 Playing Michelle Obama on Broadway
01:07:43 PERSONAL: Shanice’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
01:15:23 Shanice’s Top Five Vocalists of All Time
01:22:57 The Advice She’d Give Her Younger Self