The Celebreality Interview - Shannon
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner for I Know My Kid’s a Star! Below, McKenzie’s mom talks victory, her history in pageantry and how God helped her cope in the tumultuous world of reality TV.
Congratulations!
Thank you very much.
Tell me about what was going through your head when you and McKenzie were named winners.
It was such a surreal moment. To live in that house, you have to become a little numb, so, at that point, I didn’t feel very much. You’re happy, but you’re sad. You get so attached to the people on the set, that you know you’re going to miss them. So, it was mixed emotions.
Have you started working with Marki yet?
No. We’ve talked to her periodically, but we haven’t worked with her at all.
Are you going to?
We’ve had the opportunity, but I don’t know. From what I understand, Marki doesn’t even really work with kids. I would prefer McKenzie to be with someone who does.
What are your plans for the prize money?
If you leave it up to McKenzie, she’d give it all to charity. People think, “Oh, yeah right. What 10-year-old would do that?” My 10-year-old would! I say, “We could at least break even on some of this stuff we do!” ‘Cause she also sings and performs in other places, so we need to at least break even, thank you very much. We’ll be back in L.A. shortly.
Are you moving out there?
We’re going back and forth. McKenzie’s not ready to move out there. I’ve made it very clear that these are her dreams and what she wants out of life, so until she’s ready, you know…
You’ve been pretty active with your comments on this blog. How do you deal with the criticism you encounter?
Well, in the beginning, people were saying that me and McKenzie were fake and making fun of our accents and being cheesy or whatever, and I just ignore that. I do not respond to negative blogs. It just doesn’t really bother me. Not everyone’s going to like you, and I don’t have a problem with that. I defended myself one time over what I said about Mary Jo during the radio-show challenge, when Gigi and I both said that Mary Jo would be the first kid to enter rehab. I felt very guilty about that, so I post about why I said that. It had nothing to do with Mary Jo, but the area her mother told me that they live in, how they all do drugs at a young age. In retrospect, I felt like that really could have hurt that kids feelings. I felt like I had to defend myself, because of her lil’ heart.
Did the stress of the show take its toll on you?
I prayed a lot. That helped me stay sane, and I reminded myself everyday why I was there: for McKenzie. She loves it. Absolutely loves it. People ask me what was my favorite episode to film and I say the last, because it meant I was going to be home sooner.
McKenzie was sort of the dark-horse candidate even going into the finale.
Definitely. Look at the age difference between McKenzie and Cheyenne, two or three years, which is a lot when training is concerned. But the other factor was that McKenzie’s never had any real training. She’s had three professional voice lessons.
Your pageant background was touched on during the show. Were you doing pageants at McKenzie’s age?
No. I started when I was around 11 or 12, and I did just a few because I played a lot of ball. I stopped and then started back when I was older. But I only did the big pageants that would pay scholarship money and things like that. Pageants were a small piece of my life.
Why do you think that McKenzie chose acting instead of following your footsteps into pageantry?
McKenzie’s never really been exposed to pageants. They have really, really changed a lot from when I’ve competed. Even three-year-olds are wearing fake eyelashes, tanning cream, wigs, fake teeth. When you take that all away, it’s like, “What child did I choose to win, because I don’t see her in this room?” I’ve never even considered allowing her to do pageants. Another thing about pageants, for me, being pretty is OK, but if you’re a nice person, it goes a lot further. If you’re not a nice person, you’re not pretty, after all.
Do you think stage moms get a bum rap?
No. Not at all. But I don’t consider myself a stage mom. When I think of a stage mom, I think they get all of the criticism they deserve. To me, a true stage mom is someone who’s trying to live their life through their child. A true stage mom is constantly pushing, pushing, shoving, shoving while their kid is sitting back going, “Mom, can I just be a kid?” That’s why I don’t consider myself to be a stage mom, because I always tell McKenzie, “Baby Girl, if this ever feels like work to you, it’s time to quit.”
Did any of the moms in the house fit your definition of stage moms?
Do I have to answer that? (Laughs) I’ll say yes without naming names.
Was there any strategy in McKenzie choosing “Alone” as her final song?
Absolutely not. Before we even made it to the show’s final 10, McKenzie ended up learning two songs, only to find out that she couldn’t do either of them. We had to learn another song, and “Alone” was it. Because she already knew the words, we ended up going with that for the final performance. It had nothing to do with anybody else. I told her, “Push comes to shove, you will sing ‘The Hokey-Pokey,’ you just gotta put a lot of personality into it.” It blew my mind that it came down to Helene and me having to flip a coin, and I purposely let her call it because I did not want to hear anymore whining. I had heard enough whining in that house.
Has McKenzie been affected from appearing on the show at all?
No. She doesn’t view this as any big deal. We sit in McDonalds, people bring up napkins for her to sign. We cannot go anywhere without being recognized, but McKenzie doesn’t have a big head by any means after this. She thinks that her talent is a gift from God and she wants to use it to the best of her ability. The fame and fortune doesn’t matter. She just wants to entertain. As far as life itself, it has changed. Wal-Mart used to take me an hour, now it takes me three.
No matter how well-adjusted a kid is, no one’s immune to showbiz’s tendency to chew people up and spit them out. Do you worry about McKenzie’s future?
Well, if you love your kid, you always worry. I tell her all the time, “Just sit there and smile and be nice, you let Mama be the mean one.” That old saying, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? I say, hell hath no fury like a woman who’s children are in danger.
Shannon prepared a few additional words that she would like to share with the readers of this blog:
Thank you all so much for your support. As all of you know, the entire ordeal was extremely trying on me, but I survived. I can honestly say even if we hadn’t won, I’d do it all again for the experience. Plus, McKenzie had a blast, and we met lots of wonderful people – not just the cast, but the behind-the-scenes crew. McKenzie also acquired another brother named Gian, and I also found an adorable child who loves grits as much as I do (Alai).
Since McKenzie won, she’s been restricted on what she can do professionally. This show was to be her coming-out, so to speak. Whenever she was asked to do certain things, people did not know that she had won. She was asked to sing the national anthem at the College Liberty Bowl on ESPN. She was asked to be a featured entertainer at the St. Jude’s Gala in Memphis, Tennessee. But she was able to perform in a lot of local shows. I’ve been keeping her away from any acting around here, because in theater, everything is dramatic and over-the-top, and, as everyone knows, acting is reacting. She’s naturally very dramatic and over-the-top — let’s not add fuel to the fire.
Also, McKenzie’s been very busy in school. While we were in L.A., she missed the first month and had a lot of catching up to do. I must say her dad and I are so proud of her. She has worked really hard and maintained straight A’s. She has also had time to just enjoy being a kid, whether she’s playing basketball, softball, swimming or riding that crazy fusion stick, the kid is always outside doing something. And no matter what she is doing, she is always, always singing.
I’ve made it very clear that there’s not enough money in the world that could convince me to sacrifice my children or my marriage. Thankfully, Brian and I are so solid and strong. So, like I told Baby Girl, as long as you are enjoying what you are doing, we’ll keep doing it. But if you ever want to stop, just say the world. That said, whenever she makes a commitment she knows she has to stick it out, but after that, it’s over.
As far as Brody, my little boy, is concerned, he is McKenzie’s biggest fan. When she is on stage singing, it’s so cute to watch him hollering her name. Plus, he has his own time to shine on the ball field, and he’ll probably be doing some print work and commercials. Yes, he’s mine, but he’s so darn cute.
To all: we have lots of decisions to make. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love to you all,
Shannon and McKenzie
Read more I Know My Kid’s a Star wrap-up coverage below:
The Celebreality Interview - Helene
The Celebreality Interview - Pam
June 24th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Dear Shannon
I just want to say congradulations on the win and wanted to know if you and McKenzie ever got her career started out in Hollywood? It was nice to see good people from a small state such as ours win.
I live in Shreveport and my family was hoping that your growing and learning and NOT being a stage mom would be a great comliment. The other moms were awful. You have a great daughter, and I hope her great southern upbringing stays with her. It will take her a long way along with her great talent.
Good luck!
From Shreveport
Bonnie Taylor
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Shannon,
Sorry I have not gotten back in touch with you. I have been out in the field for the last month doing all of the necessary training for deployment. You say you cried when you read my comment, honey I bet that you had nothing on me. The first thing that i did when i got back to the barracks was called my litte boy to check in and then my email and then this. I never would have thought that i would have really gotten a reply. You have so many of these things to read. I started yelling at all of the guys that i had watch it with me, saying she said yes, She really is coming! It’s so hard to believe. We are so excited. I do not have a myspace set up, but i will set one up really soon. So, you will be hearing from me. Thanks so very much. We are all very excited. I have to call and tell Cortland (my 5 year old, who loves her)! Can’t wait to hear from you. I’m not gonna give any specific details and it is very easy to use someone elses name on here, so PLEASE wait to hear from me on myspace. I don’t want anyone else using my name and getting you somewhere you don’t need to be!
Much Love,
REBECCA
June 20th, 2008 at 2:15 am
dangt paris hilton is on her now? come on ! good luc k to alai and gigi. nice to hear from alai. she is cute. good luck to you little lady.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Hi Shannon. My “Baby Girl” was so jealous when I told her I ran into you in the lobby of our hotel while we were in LA. We watched you and McKenzie on the show and were big fans. Being from Louisiana myself…I know your accent isnt fake!!!
You two are inspiraton for us…a mom with a daughter trying to break into the business while keeping it real. Best of luck with everything. I know it may be rough transitioning but hang in there. At least the weather is nicer in LA…its hot as heck back here at home!! 
June 16th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Congratulations to Shannon and McKenzie! I was so pulling for you. Shannon, as a mom myself, applause to you. Through it all, you stayed true to yourself. Your first concern was always McKenzie, not the prize. That makes me proud.
McKenzie, you sweet girl! You deserved it hun, and I hope you soak up each moment. It is awesome to see such a young girl who could take criticism, learn from it and move on. You never blamed anyone or anything if things didn’t quite go your way. That takes courage hun. And that takes strength in yourself. That is a remarkable feat for one so young. Never lose that sweetie.
Good luck with everything, and I hope it is everything that you want it to be. Much love from this family of Canucks!!!
June 13th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Congratulations!! =) I am so happy for you girls. You’ve been through a lot and worked so hard.
McKenzie: You are very talented, I am impressed. You’ve toned yourself down so much since the beginning of the show, you’re fantastic. I expect to see your name in lights some day, you’ll go very far. Be true to yourself, and always respect your Mom. You’re amazing, I thought you were going to win before the final four. Great job, keep going!! =)
Shannon: You’re an amazing person and mom, McKenzie was lucky to have you with her throughout the show, you were very real and unaffected by the “Mama Drama” that was rampant on the show. You girls make an amazing team, she’ll be famous.
Good luck, and best wishes for the future. We haven’t heard the last of you!!
Ps. Love the accent =)
June 10th, 2008 at 4:17 am
I find it sad to see such trash on this blog, when it is for a young girl and mother who did such a good job, to see such horrible trash. I do have to say though that it does look like Bambi is here just to have attention and bring such a spotlight on Cheyenne that it has now made me believe that she is somehow contacted to Helene and Cheyene. Think about it. But also the more spotlight Bambi is given the more trash she talks, I say let’s ignore such ignorant trash and let’s celebrate a wonderful girl who is truly talented you go Baby Girl, still think you are great, youtube shows the talent you have. I love them .. keep up the good work.
June 5th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Ok everyone needs to just stop with the whole well cheyenne is better cheyenne this cheyenne that cheyenne should hav won. Because you know that if cheyenne won you know you would have said no makeneze is better she should have won. I do not dislike cheyenne at all yes i do admit she is good and all but she did not improve at all and makenze took all of the constructive crotisisim and tried better everyone of those compotistions. and when they wer suppossed to be themselves helene kept telling hr no lower lower you need to go lower and every time they tried to tell her something that cheyenne did somthing wrong helen would say oh please and make up some kind of excuse for it. You know what even if Shannon did say something that she should not have said that was not motavating her daughter so what it was only once and you know what else she was the only one that was ever telling her daughter good things positive things and everyone else never tried to tell their kid positive sayings for life so do not evn say she is not a motivaing mom you all are just mad because she does have money and her husband has money. AND RONALD REGGIN IS DEAD!
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
hey shannon and mckenzie i hope to see u L.A. soon i live there so hope to see u!
oxox,your #1 fan ashley!kisses!
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
hey shannon add me on youtube i sended u a invite and i suscribe to u to so yea add me byes
oxox,your #1 fan ashley!kisses!
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I am so glad that you won you really deserved it and i hope i can meet you some day because you really are a great kid and i know you will not make all of these mistakes that all of these other celebs are.no matter who you work with i know they will enjoy working with you.WHEN HE CALLED OUR NAME I SAREMED because i was so happy and when i went back to school i told everyone about you.You will have an exxlent career.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Stacy, I totally agree with you. Best of Luck, Gigi and Alai. We still love you. Alai you will make it far someday, just hang in there.
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:03 am
GIgi,
Although I do believe that prejudice is at a all time high in America. I dont feel that Alais’
elimination was totally based on race. There were times when you concentrated too much on Pam and the other moms. You were in an argument with someone from the time you walked through the door till the time you walked out. Yes I do realize, mostof the arguments were provoked by Rocky and Pam.
I grant you the fact that Pam is a backstabbing liar. But you were not there to make friends. You were there to be a coach to your child, in a nationwide competition. You really messed Alai up, when you told her to read the script, the way you coached her to read it, it seem like she could not read at all.
I must say that your own child tried to calm you down on several occassions. As a mother I also realize that you thought you had to protect you child. But theres’ a certain way to do that.
Your first mistake was to think that a white woman could ever truely be a black womans friend.
The third mistake you made was when you threatened Pam. You knew she was going to run and tell and act like the innocent lilly white, babes in the woods, damsel in distress, that they want us to think they are. ( WHEN THE HEAT GETS TURNED UP, ON THEIR BUTTS) if you know what I mean.
Last, you became irrate, in front of the judges and the children.
You allowed Pam to knock you off your square. Once again, I realize that Pam is a snake. But we as
black people have to learn how to play them at their own game. You know the first thing they say, after they start a feud with a black person. ”we were the aggressor.”
I pray for nothing but luck for you and Alai. I can tell that you have done a fabulous job at raising her.
She is a very polite, loving child. Good Luck. In the future. Never let anyone knock you off your square like that again. Forget it, move past it and enjoy your summer. Give Alai a big hug for me and my family.
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:16 am
GiGi,
How can you say Shannon knows Cheyenne should have won, it was said over and over the best team. Shannon did not choose MacKenzie, Danny chose MacKenzie. I bet you would never have said Cheyenne should have won if Alai had been chosen the winner.
June 1st, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Gigi - they should have given you your own blogspot here with the rest of the mothers. I truly would have been interested in hearing more of your thoughts. I’ve googled you and it seems you have quite a few things going on…kudos to you! Alai is a beautiful and talented girl, and I feel you for realizing and acknowledging what black folk (or non-white) go through in this industry!!! I totally agree with you that Shannon is in for a rude-awakening in Hollywood (that is, if she hasn’t already gotten it!). BTW, I think Shannon pretending “not to know” what the “casting couch” was, was absolute b*llsh*t in it’s highest degree! I think being an ex-beauty pageant queen (if you will), she’s been on a casting couch or two herself! I didn’t buy into the whole “editing” b*llsh*t where they “villainized” you and Helene. I did believe, however, your reaction when Pam “backstabbed” you. That look on your face said a thousand words hun! Hopefully, all of you on the show have moved onward and upwards with your children’s career and I wish you all nothing but the best.
Signed
Not fooled by “editors”
Bambi (the one and only)
June 1st, 2008 at 8:36 am
Alai i loved you on the show,and no disrespect to your mom but if she had you read that story like it was given you would have not been eliminated.good luck to you both and this is just a stepping stone you will go far.
June 1st, 2008 at 12:49 am
Hello, Alai here…(from the show) Since the show, I have done an independent film, a Ronald Regan Library Promo, and I have done a print job for Disney. Well, just letting you know. Just keep praying for me because it’s really hard out here in Hollywood.
I wish I could get in touch with some of you guys cause I miss you!!!!! 
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May 31st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
apple———-Give it a rest the show has been over for months now. How dare you call a child those names, and learn how to spell C.H.E.Y.E.N.N.E. You sound so full of envy. Now go away.
May 31st, 2008 at 9:12 pm
do you know if they will be having another season to the show and if so could you post the info on the site?
May 31st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Ok Shannon right, i dont know how, you are the best parent/role model, i saw an episode were you had your daughter in tears telling her she needed to do a scene better, you were not feeling emotion from her, and you finally stopped your rant when she told you to stop “fussin’” at her. Danny is no judge of anybody, i dont know how california state system allowed this acoholic train wreck to be in the presecene of minors who he did not father. Also your daughter mckenzie she obviously has done a pageant or two with you , so all this business about no training no training is total bullshit, you guys are caught up. You are both pageant hoppers, so fall back lady. You know that if Chyene was a little all white girl she would have won and Mckenzie can not sing all that well her song was just more current that Chyene is song, that was the only difference. Total loss of money hope you dont get more implants with this money cause you already looked like you were ABOUT TO BURST. WOW SOUTHERN BELLS, MORE LIKE GOLD DIGGING ANA NICOLE WANNA BE’S, TOOTLES, WELCOME TO HOLLYWEIRD, BIMBO
May 31st, 2008 at 5:15 am
I want to say this last thing and then I’m done. Congratulations Shannon & McKenzie, but Shannon, you know, Cheyenne should have won. Living here in Hollywood and going to the auditions where everybody’s pretty and everybody’s talented, it doesn’t matter who you live with. You can live with an uncle, an aunt, or your mom, it just doesn’t matter. LA is so hard to get a part on a TV Series, a Commercial, or a Print Job. It just doesn’t matter who you live with. The Show is such B.S.. Because here we aren’t our daughters managers, but they actually do have managers, so therefor, we are there moms or as I would say there taxicab drivers. It says on the show that your daughter won because Helene was not the right Manager, but you know and we all know that Cheyenne has more talent and more experience than any of our daughters and sons. I’m not trying to take away your victory because McKenzie is very special. But when you get here, you’ll be going up against a lot of Cheyenne’s. I want to congratulate everybody who made it through that house, because it was pure hell! I even want to say to Pam, that I understand what she did but did she really think that I wasn’t going to come for her? So Pam, I’m even saying to you, if you need any help, if I can help you I will. That goes for everybody who was in the house.
P.S. Rocky - It was only a show! My daughter would never be up for the same job as yours, and eventually, we will run into each other and I don’t feel like fighting.
I wish everyone the best.
Gigi
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
what do you do to become a contestant in the show?