From Iconic Stages to New Horizons: Amanda Cole, Former Member of En Vogue, Releases Powerful New Song with Kevin Flournoy, "To The Water!" 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR 

Having graced stages across the globe, Amanda Cole has showcased her musical versatility, mastering a wide range of genres from Rock and Classical to Tejano, R&B, and Country. Originally from Los Angeles and now rooted in Amsterdam, her career highlights include sharing the stage with iconic performers like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, and Destiny's Child. 

Beyond music, Amanda has displayed her acting chops in productions such as "Dream Girls," "Anything Goes," and "Ain't Misbehavin'," among a variety of off-Broadway and gospel plays. Recently, she's garnered glowing praise for her stunning symphonic tribute to Whitney Houston, performing a breathtaking 18-song set with orchestras nationwide. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Amanda, and it was a truly remarkable experience. She radiates kindness and humility, and her talent shines through in everything she does. In addition to her past accomplishments, Amanda has just released a beautiful new song titled To The Water, a collaboration with renowned pianist, composer, and producer Kevin Flournoy. I had the opportunity to sit down with this songbird to discuss her musical journey, and here's what she shared. 

Hi Amanda, it's a blessing to be here with you today. Thank you, same here.  

Fantastic! As we prepare to dive in, I find it fascinating to acknowledge the incredible interconnectedness of our world today. I always enjoy asking my guests this question: where did you grow up, and where do you currently call home? I was born in Starkville, MS, and lived there until I was about 14. My parents helped me transfer to Dallas, TX, to attend Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, which is a public secondary school located in the Arts District of downtown Dallas, Texas.  

I spent a few years living there before heading off to Oklahoma University, where I focused on musical theater and picked up a minor in English. During that time, I bounced back and forth to California quite often as I transitioned from high school to college. After graduating, I settled in the Bay Area and spent some time in San Francisco. Once I joined En Vogue, I made the move to San Diego. I've been around quite a bit, but I'm currently in Arkansas.   

Incredible! You just led me on a fantastic adventure! I'm truly grateful! Thank you for sharing. It's all about being present wherever God places us throughout our lives. Every experience we encounter is essential for our journey, and that's truly beautiful! Now, Ms. Amanda, I have to tell you, your skin looks amazing! So, we ladies need to know—how do you keep your skin so radiant? Oh, thank you, Gina. Yes, I use castor oil daily. My mother is 69, but she looks like she's 49. I wish I could show you a picture of her. Her secret is castor oil. So, just like her, I use castor oil every day, all day. I just slather it on. (laughs)  

I totally get it! These younger generations have no clue about castor oil or cod liver oil. Back in our day, we had to swallow both of those concoctions as kids. Our mom would line us up, one by one, and make us take that awful stuff. My siblings and I were all in the same boat. Honestly, I'd much prefer to apply it to my skin rather than endure a daily dose! Those two remedies are pretty unpleasant, but I hear they're packed with health benefits. It seems like the healthiest things often taste the worst. Yet, they're essential, especially as we age. I admire how radiant your skin looks, and if slathering castor oil on my face can give me that glow, then count me in, ladies! Let's follow Amanda and her mom's lead—castor oil for the face! And don't worry, ladies, you can skip the cod liver oil. It was definitely a part of our childhood, though! (Laughs) Yes, it was a part of everything, right?   

Absolutely. Whenever you were under the weather or had a scrape, you hesitated to mention it to your mom because you just knew she'd force that castor oil or cod liver oil on you. But I have to admit, it actually did the trick—got to hand it to her for that! (laughs). Right. I mean, I had really bad skin, especially as I got older—it was like I just kept getting more acne. It was just ravaging my face. But since castor oil has antibacterial properties, it really helped my skin. I also use baking soda sometimes as a scrub. So, yeah.  

Alright, everyone, let's rally together! You all heard Amanda—if we want to shine like stars, castor oil is the secret ingredient! (laughs) Thank you for that! It was a blast. Now, let's delve into your early days. I often say that if parents really observe their kids without imposing their own dreams onto them. It's common for many parents to think, "I missed out on this, so I want my child to succeed where I didn't," or "I've achieved a lot, and my children must do the same to reflect my success in front of my esteemed friends." Instead, they should focus on their child and ask, "What unique talents do they possess? What are they naturally inclined toward?" Let's rewind and chat about young Amanda. Was your experience similar? Did your parents recognize your talent as a child, or did they envision a different future for you that didn't involve music? My parents were not interested in any of that. They weren't dancers, actors, or involved in the entertainment field at all, which was fortunate for me. None of them longed for the spotlight or anything like that. It was just me being very tenacious about what I wanted to do, even from a young age. At first, it was mainly acting, not singing. I remember watching TV shows like "Rags to Riches" and "Star Search," and I would think to myself, "I really want to be on these shows. I want to be on TV. I want to do this for a living."  

In elementary school, there was a program called "Viva" and another called "Peak." These programs helped kids who were intellectual or creative—like visual artists and performing artists. I was asked to join when I was in elementary school. They would pull us out of class so we could practice acting or singing. It was really great. We thought we were hot stuff, right? 

Yes. (Laughs) That was a good thing. My mom got a call from my "Viva" teacher, and she was like, "Do you know that your daughter is pretty talented? We want her to compete in these competitions, but we need your permission." My mom was surprised and said, "No, I didn't know she was doing that."  

She didn't know that I sang all the time. I had a record player and would play music constantly—just music, music, music, all the time. I didn't watch TV much; it was all about the music for me. She didn't know how much I loved music or that I wanted to be on screen.  

Once she found out, my parents asked, "Does she really want to do this?" They put me to the test by asking me to sing for their friends. The experience left me mortified and anxious, but it helped me decide whether singing as a career was for me. Did I really want to be in front of people?  

I felt exposed and anxious because, as a kid, that can be really scary. But I grew to like it, and my parents decided, "OK, she's good with it. Let's record her." So, I recorded a demo when I was about 12 years old. 

Was it on a cassette tape? (Laughs) Yes, it was a cassette recording but it was recorded on “reel-to-reel" and it was my first time in a studio. I was so nervous, but it was the best experience ever, and I did it! 

What did you sing? Do you remember? Yes, I recorded my version of Whitney Houston's "Where Do Broken Hearts Go." In fact, I still have that cassette somewhere because I listened to it a few years ago. I remember hearing it and thinking, "Amanda, you did pretty well!" (Laughs) 

I love that! How wonderful it must be to revisit those great memories. You can also see how much you've developed vocally over the years. Oh, yes. I did my first demo when I was 12, and that sealed the deal for me. I knew without a doubt that I wanted to become a professional singer.  

My mom had some friends in California who were connected in the industry. She said, "If you want to go during the summer, you don't have to go to camp. You can fly out there, stay with our friend, and record in California." So, that's what I started to do.  

My parents were very supportive. They never pushed me more than I needed to be pushed. Many people disagreed with my parents letting me go by myself to a big city, especially since I was still in high school, but my parents trusted me. They knew the girl they had raised, and we also had a lot of support in Dallas.  

So, they made a big decision that wasn't popular, but it helped to nurture my love for music and the career I built from that high school foundation. I love them for that. 

Absolutely! I often mention that support is the critical factor distinguishing those who succeed from those who don’t, regardless of the industry. It’s all about having that backing, right? Talent is important, but if we look back, especially in the past, it seemed like you really had to demonstrate your vocal or instrumental skills to get noticed. Nowadays, the selection process feels different; sometimes, it seems like they prioritize other factors over actual talent. This shift has, unfortunately, affected how younger generations perceive true talent. But I won’t dive too deep into that, as you’re definitely not part of that issue. You come from a lineage of genuine talent, and it’s truly unique. So, Amanda, let me ask you about your voice. When you listen to that old cassette tape of your younger self, what do you cherish the most about it? And what do you appreciate about your adult voice today? When I was younger, I was very self-conscious about my singing. I didn’t like listening to myself, so whenever I recorded something, I wouldn’t play it back. In fact, years passed since I made a particular recording, and I don’t even think I listened to it after I finished it as a child. Now, with years of experience and a more mature perspective, I finally listened to it. I realized there was a lot of artificial emotion in my singing back then. 

That was because, at the time, I hadn’t experienced much of life. For example, I remember singing Whitney Houston’s song “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” when I was only 12. Singing about heartbreak at that age, I had no idea what it meant. But I tried to channel the emotions she conveyed in her story. Even though I was young, I gave it my best shot. 

As I got older, even when I was part of the group En Vogue, I was still very self-conscious. My singing was self-focused, more about proving that I could sing rather than connecting with the audience and telling a story. I think a lot of singers struggle with this—learning to take themselves out of the equation and let go of their ego. Just because you can riff here and there doesn’t mean you need to. Sometimes, simplicity is the most powerful way to communicate a song. That’s something I’ve learned over time. 

When I was younger, I wanted to “wow” people with my singing, but it wasn’t translating. People weren’t feeling what I was singing, and that realization came after I left the industry. Back then, performing was essential, and you had to go all out. I’m not sure how things are done now, but in those days, you had to sing with everything you had. 

When I joined En Vogue, I didn’t have to audition because I had already worked with the group’s producers. But even then, I had to prove myself and show that I was worthy of the position. 

I’m still learning how things are done in the industry today. The entire system is drastically different from what it used to be. But back when I was coming up, with En Vogue, Whitney Houston, and other beautiful Black women, I could emulate them and feel confident doing so. Now, I have daughters, and they don’t feel the same confidence trying to emulate women who look like them. The images they see don’t reflect who they want to be, and that’s something I hope will change. 

We need more diverse representations of Black women in pop music and popular culture. We can’t be limited to one-dimensional images. When I look at other artists, I see how they move effortlessly between genres—country, rock, R&B, pop, even hip-hop. But as a Black woman, I feel like I’m often relegated to R&B. There’s this idea that if you’re Black, you must sing R&B, and that’s just not fair. It’s not a true reflection of talent or artistry. It shouldn’t matter what you look like—what should matter is what you have to offer as an artist. 

I once sat down with my kids and asked them, “Can you name one Black woman with the same status as Adele, who can do what Adele does, but isn’t pigeonholed into R&B?” I’ve never seen Adele in a bodysuit, yet she’s celebrated for her music. As Black women, we should have that same privilege—to stand on stage in beautiful gowns, singing music that isn’t confined to R&B. Music belongs to everyone, and these categories shouldn’t limit us. 

If I want to sing country, there should be an avenue for me to do that, and I should be welcomed into that space. The same goes for pop. I hope that by continuing to approach music in my own way, people will start to see the need for change. Maybe not even change, but at least a broader perspective—one that embraces different viewpoints and celebrates diverse expressions in the industry. I could talk about this all day (laughs). 

I totally get where you’re coming from because my views reflect yours on this. I completely agree. It’s refreshing to hear someone else voice these thoughts because I’m always bringing up the same points in my conversations. When you were talking, I thought about the incredibly talented Wendy Moten. She’s such a great example of a woman with the courage to explore multiple genres, and she’s a wonderful role model. 

Artists should be free to explore every aspect of what makes them unique. As humans, we are made up of so many different pieces. We shouldn’t be boxed in creatively. Being an artist means expressing yourself in many different ways, and that’s what gives you your identity. The genre shouldn’t define you. What matters is being true to yourself and letting your artistry shine in a way that only you can. I pray that one day, artists will be free to be themselves without the pressure to conform to industry standards. Amanda, you are a reflection of true artistry, creativity, class, and poise. I’m so glad you’re a positive role model in this industry. Also, I often wonder how other artists can transition through different music genres effortlessly while we, as people of color, seem unable to do so. For example, Miley Cyrus has performed songs in various genres, but when I approach record labels, they claim that my singing style needs to be more relevant to my audience. I question them, asking, "Who do you think my audience is? Are they like Mary J. Blige's audience?" While Mary J. Blige is a fantastic singer, our styles are different. So, I ask them, "Who exactly is this audience that you're referring to?" 

It takes real courage to embrace your true self and assert that, as you mentioned, I am a complex individual who refuses to be confined to a single artistic style. I won't accept being limited to one musical genre just because established artists like Taylor Swift, Adele, or Kelly Clarkson exist in that space.  

I was told that, and I'm like, "OK, I understand that, but which artist that you just named looks like me, though?" 

As a vocal instructor, I notice how much children are shaped by visuals and their surroundings. When they see pictures of me and learn that I sing, their immediate assumption is that I must be a singer like Fantasia or Jasmine Sullivan—both of whom are incredibly talented. However, it's interesting to see how they often associate these artists with specific genres.   

Those kids are entirely unaware of Brandy, Monica, or Deborah Cox. Their musical knowledge is limited because they've been confined to just one corner of the industry. As you mentioned, I listened to Wendy during my college days.  

I adored her, and when they claimed she was the next Whitney Houston, I truly believed it—she has an extraordinary voice and is immensely talented! Seeing less gifted and talented women becoming superstars with so much support in the music world is frustrating. I genuinely think it's time for a shift. I'm noticing changes in our society and the music industry, and I'm truly excited about what's to come!  

Absolutely! I'm entirely on board with everything you're expressing, and I wholeheartedly agree. It's time for a transformation, and I sincerely hope we witness that change in our lifetime. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts on this issue. Now, regarding your incredible talent, you were part of En Vogue, which is no surprise given your amazing vocal abilities. Let's take a trip down memory lane to your days with the group. Can you share how that journey began for you and highlight one of the most positive experiences you gained from being a member during that time? There have been countless amazing experiences during my time with En Vogue. Having the opportunity to perform in various places worldwide has been invaluable. While in Amsterdam, I even had the chance to meet Donna Summer, who shared stories about her daughter Amanda. I also crossed paths with many other talented individuals, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Bobby Brown. And we toured with “New Edition” so, I had the opportunity to meet all the people I used to watch on television.  

My daughter and I had just discussed this earlier today. We once took a picture with Destiny's Child at the Lady of Soul Awards, and unfortunately, that picture was stolen from my home in San Antonio. It was a photo of me, Beyoncé, and everyone together, and it was one of my favorites. I had pictures of almost everyone I worked with, and they were all taken. 

My daughter asked me, "Do you remember when all your pictures were stolen?" I responded, "Yeah, I remember that. But I did have memories of these people. I had a whole room with pictures of all the people I met in different places I visited. Seeing different places and working with such phenomenal women was the most exciting thing. It was the most impactful experience of my life. 

Watching how they protected their brand impacted me as a woman and singer. That's something that I learned from them. Although they were sexy ladies, they weren't sexual women. They didn't do anything overly sexual. That's just not who they are. And that's the thing that I admired most about them. They could own their sexuality without exploiting it.  

I've learned that there's a delicate balance for women in music. You have to be careful about how you portray yourself to others. I learned a lot from that experience. It was one of the best experiences of my life. 

Amanda, you are truly remarkable! I fondly recall watching En Vogue and being struck by their elegance. They stood out on stage in a way that feels rare today. It's inspiring how they imparted valuable lessons through their example, and now you're carrying that legacy into your incredible career! You're fantastic, Amanda! One of my passions is teaching young girls the significance of maintaining a dignified and classy demeanor.   

Always uphold your moral values and beliefs, regardless of what the industry may tempt you with. Keep your faith in God close! Never trade it for fleeting fame; it simply isn't worth it. When I speak to them, I emphasize that they can use their voices to promote their music, not their bodies.  

If you want to stand out, have the courage to advocate for yourself and embody strength as a woman. You demonstrate that it's possible to succeed without resorting to selling sex; that's a disservice to women everywhere. You don't need to compromise your integrity to share your music when your voice is your greatest asset. Let your talent shine! The people who get it will get it, and those who don't aren't the ones you're trying to reach anyway.  

From every video I've made to everything I've ever posted, people who take the time to look through my entire social media history will see a consistent presentation. I've always been true to myself. I don't pretend to be anyone else. This is who I am, and that's the message I want to convey.   

It's real because people do research your history, looking for cracks in your character. They'll go back and say, 'Let's see if she has anything controversial online,' but they won't find that because that's just not who I am.  

Again, with every video I make, I try to be as natural as possible in my appearance. I don't emphasize hair or makeup; I want people to focus on my face and my voice. It's all about me standing there with a microphone, trying to deliver these songs in a way that makes people feel something.  

In the '60s and '70s, artists like Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix used their music to express how they felt about the world around them. It's so important that we keep the focus on the music and the message.  

I wish more artists today had the courage to make music that reflects the times we're living in. We need it so desperately. We need something we can hold onto. When Whitney Houston released 'The Greatest Love of All,' it touched so many people. Songs like that taught lessons, made people feel seen and were sung everywhere. We need more of that kind of material out there today.   

We already have enough of the other stuff, but we also need something redemptive, beautiful, and transformative. I'm praying for that.  

Absolutely, Amanda. You are full of wisdom and such a great role model! Thank you for standing up for positive values in the industry. I applaud you and will definitely be supporting your music because it's wholesome, and you have such a remarkably beautiful, angelic voice! You've performed in several touring productions—'Ain't Misbehavin,' 'Anything Goes,' and 'Dreamgirls,' just to name a few. Congratulations again! Can you tell me a little bit about that experience? Yes, I was in a traveling production of 'Ain't Misbehavin.' One of the cast members reached out to me when I was very young, probably in my 20s. They said, 'Amanda, I found you! How are you doing?' I was like, 'Oh wow, I haven't seen you in so long!' Being in those productions was wonderful, and they led to recognition in other shows.  

There was a production in London of 'The Bodyguard,' with one of the contestants from 'The Voice' starring in it. Someone had seen me in one of my previous shows and asked me to be her understudy. It wasn't the Broadway cast, but it was an incredible opportunity for exposure. It helped me get more comfortable on stage. I wasn't ready for Broadway at the time, but being part of these productions was a stepping stone for me. 

Though I love musical theater, I realized I'm more passionate about being a recording artist. Theater is wonderful, but you're performing songs and messages that someone else wrote. I wanted to express myself more personally through my own music. 

That's so amazing! What a journey you've had. Now, speaking of incredible experiences, you worked with the talented pianist, composer, and producer Kevin Flournoy on your new single 'To The Water.' The song is lovely. Tell me how that collaboration came about. Thank you, Gina. A friend on YouTube suggested I cover the song. When I heard it, I had a very emotional reaction because I had just lost my grandmother. The song reflected a lot of the things she was trying to tell me before she passed, things I didn't fully understand at the time.  

Recording the song allowed me to grieve her in a different way. My grandmother had battled cancer for a long time, and she eventually decided to stop treatment. She told us she just wanted to live the rest of her life in peace, without the pain of chemotherapy. At the time, it was hard for me to accept that choice. But through this song, I learned that sometimes, letting go requires immense courage.  

Working with Kevin Flournoy was incredible. His music is so emotive, and together, we created something truly special. Even if it doesn't reach millions, I pray it will touch the people who need to hear it. That's what matters to me.  

Awesome! You and Kevin are both amazing at what you do, and I do not doubt that this release will be a huge success. Where can people find 'To The Water'? It's available on every streaming platform—Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. I also have a live version on my YouTube channel, Amanda Cole Music.   

Fantastic! Do you have any live shows coming up? Yes, they can follow my live performance schedule by visiting my website, amandacolemusic.com. They can also follow me on my social media pages. 

Awesome! Final question: I'd love it if you could share some words of wisdom for anyone coming up in this business who may not be as far along in their career as you are. What would you say to them? Well, I always say, please be yourself and trust yourself. Don't let people dictate who you're going to be. Don't let others tell you who you should be. Know who you are, stand firm in it, and remember that some days, you may be the only person standing in the room as yourself. But I promise you, only you can be you. 

I often feel alone because I'm in my own lane, and no one else is trying to get in it or do what I'm doing. Sometimes I'm tempted to think, 'Maybe I should try something different.' But then I remind myself: who are you?  

And if you change, who will you be? So, you always have to stay true to yourself. Know who you are and stand on that. Like they say, 'Stand on business.' Be who you are, and don't change that for anyone or anything. 

I recently had to cancel a show because they added people to the lineup whose values didn't align with mine. It was tough, but once you've made a decision about who you're going to be in this world and how you're going to show up, you sometimes have to make hard choices. You won't always be able to be in the room with everyone who's having a good time. Sometimes, you'll have to say, 'That's not what I'm about. That's not what I stand for.  

It's one of the hardest things in the world to do—being yourself in a world where everyone is telling you, 'Be like this person, do what I'm doing, look at me!' But you have something unique to offer. No one else can be you. So, if you're busy trying to be like everyone else, who's being you? Always stand for what you believe in, and be yourself. That's what I always say. 

That is so beautiful. I feel like I'm listening to myself when you talk! I've often felt like that awkward person, too, because I've never been the type to follow the crowd. That was so inspiring. My prayer for you is that God continues to bless the work of your hands and that everything you do is in line with His will for your life. I pray that the Lord blesses your family, that He opens doors for you, and that He sends wonderful people into your life who genuinely care for you and your success. 

I pray for discernment, that you'll know who's right for you and who isn't. I just want you to know how incredibly proud I am of every single achievement you've made. I'm most proud of you for standing up and being strong—for having the courage to be different, to say, 'No, I'm going to represent class and what's right.' I'm proud of you for not going with the masses, for being an eagle and not a pigeon. You are beautiful, talented, and amazing, and I'll be cheering for you from the sidelines. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of sharing your beautiful life story. Aww, thank you for that, Gina. 

You're so welcome! And thank you! God bless you.