Photo by: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for TV One and Urban One Honors
The 2022 Urban One Honors focused on “The Soundtrack of Black America,” with a star-studded list of honorees that included iconic musical duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, mega-producer Timbaland, the iconic Gamble and Huff, gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Jennifer Hudson.
The two-hour show, hosted by GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, premiered on TV One and CLEO TV on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Eva Marcille, a model, TV personality and co-host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, featured a unique backstage pass segment with exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters.
“What’s up, Ne-Yo? How are you doing? It’s your girl Eva Marcille from the Ricky Smiley Morning Show,” she exclaimed as she got the viewers pumped for top performances and exclusive interviews. “And I am so excited being here tonight hosting Urban One Honors Backstage Pass.”
She continued to capture viewers’ attention.
“Now, you all go ahead and get comfortable seeing this face. Because yes, I will be here throughout the evening. I’ll be backstage getting you all the fun, all the laughs, and might even get you some tea from your favorite celebrities!”
The 37-year-old not only heightened the fourth annual Urban One Honors with her beauty and fabulous outfits, but she also got us the tea on the celebrities who participated!
Everyone watching was urged to join the evening’s conversation on TV One’s and CLEO TV’s social media accounts.
For her first interview of the night, Marcille talked with gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard to discuss how it feels to be included in the topic of being added to the Soundtrack of Black America.
“Tasha Cobbs Leonard, y’all,” she declared as she introduced Leonard backstage. “Baby girl, congratulations on your honor this evening! Listen, how does it feel to be added to the soundtrack of Black America?”
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Leonard responded respectfully, “Oh my goodness, you have people like Timbaland, Jennifer Hudson, and then you got Tasha Cobbs Leonard from Jesup, Georgia. I am honored. I think it’s a grace that God would use someone from a small town to be an example to those that are looking on, saying, ‘I want to do something great.’ And you can do it no matter where you’re from.”
While talking with the singer Tank, who did the Urban One Honors tribute to the musical genius team Gamble and Huff, the model asked him if he was nervous when performing their greatest top-charting hits.
“Doing a tribute to Gamble and Huff, talk about it were you nervous,” the Los-Angeles native asked Tank.
The famed producer-duo received the Living Legends Award.
“No, I wasn’t nervous. No. They are a part of my design. You know what I mean. So being able to honor them that way, I mean that’s a part of my purpose. A part of what I’m supposed to do,” Tank stated. “Having a conversation with them, picking their brain about music man was one of those cool moments.”
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Amazed that he wasn’t nervous, the backstage host allowed him to expand.
“Everything is ever-changing. You know what I mean. Our music is ever-evolving, you know what I mean. And so, they did it away, and we are doing our best to maintain those traditions and those standards that they set for us. So, to be hand-picked from guys who laid the foundation that we are able to walk on today is just awesome.”
When we were first introduced to Eva Marcille, from her debut on the third cycle of America’s Next Top Model to the 2022’s Urban One Honors, we thoroughly enjoyed her personality, poise and shine displayed throughout her backstage interviews!
Yassss! Sis brought all the #BlackGirlMagic at the 2022 Urban One Honors! We can’t wait to see what she has in store in the future! Let us know your favorite Backstage Pass interview with Eva Marcille below.
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