I had an opportunity to interview Raven-Symone recently. I responded right away since Raven-Symone is my 10-year-old niece, Monica’s, favorite celebrity. I notified my niece and her mom, my sister Melissa, as quickly as I could, and I worked out the arrangements. Everything was set for my niece to come with me to the interview.

The next day, my niece arrived, ready to go. We had about and hour and a half before we had to be at the interview location, which was about a 20-minute drive from my house. My niece could not be contained however, and so we left soon after her arrival. It’s a good thing we did. Sadly, I have a terrible sense of direction.

We were to meet in the lobby of The Compuware Building, next to The Hard Rock Café, at 630 pm. We arrived in Downtown Detroit just about 6 pm. By the time I figured out where we needed to be (despite having been there several times before) and then finding parking and walking the three blocks over to the location from where we parked, it was 629 pm. But we didn’t need to rush. It turned out to be another 2 hours before we were able to see Raven-Symone.

Monica and I waited in the lobby with several other excited young girls and their parents and/or guardians. There were other press there, including one guy from Radio Disney, and several other people who were just fans. Finally, we were escorted to where Raven-Symone was going to be. She still hadn’t arrived but we were told she was close. We went up to the 8th floor and waited with other members of the press for her arrival.

About 10 minutes later, the elevator doors opened, and who should exit but the one and only Raven-Symone. She walked past and politely greeted everyone with a wave and a big smile. One girl was in tears. My niece could only repeat, “That was so cool.” Aren’t kids cute?

A bit more time passed. All the other press were able to get their interviews. Finally, it was our turn. Monica had wanted to do the interview and I helped her prepare some questions. But when she was face to face with Raven-Symone, she became shy and wanted me to do the interview. I began to ask questions. Then Monica relaxed and began interacting with Raven-Symone. Here is our Q & A.

Q: When did you begin working?

A: I started in commercials and modeling at 16 months. My first acting job was at 3 years of age on The Cosby Show.

Q: You are here to promote Cheetah Girls 2. You previously did Cheetah Girls 1. Where were these films shot and were they on location, in a studio or a mix of both?

A: Cheetah Girls 1 was shot in Toronto (Canada) and Cheetah Girls 2 in Barcelona, Spain. Both were shot on location.

Q: What do you prefer: TV, movies or music?

A: I don’t have a preference. Each allows me to express a truth, either about others or myself.

Q: What are you working on currently?

A: I have several projects, but in the forefront now is an animated feature titled Everyone’s Hero for which I’m doing a voice.

Q: Why weren’t you on The Disney Channel Games? Did you have a choice?

A: (Raven-Symone summons her manager over and asks why she wasn’t asked to participate. It turns out she was filming Cheetah Girls 2 at the time. Her manager assures my niece that Raven-Symone will be in the next Games if she is able. Monica just wanted to be sure it wasn’t because she didn’t want to be in them and she tells Raven-Symone so. Raven-Symone assures her that was definitely not the case).

We concluded the interview with an autograph and a picture. Raven-Symone is going to be returning with the Cheetah Girls to the Detroit area at The Michigan State Fair on September 3, 2006. Monica says she’ll see her then. Raven-Symone says she’ll probably be wearing the same clothes since her luggage was lost (That explained the delay.)

We departed for the premiere of Cheetah Girls 2 at Campus Martius. Unfortunately, there was nowhere for us to sit. Apparently, The Cheetah Girls are extremely popular. I had no idea. The Cheetah Girls seem to be good role models for young girls. They aren’t scantily clad or trying to emulate anorexia. They seem to be able to laugh at themselves and promote the value of friendship. I will see if my assumptions are correct when I watch the premiere of Cheetah Girls 2 on The Disney Channel, Friday, August 25, 2006 at 8pm EST.

We didn’t stay for the movie, since we had no way to see the film clearly due to the lack of seating. Monica was the one who suggested we leave. I was really impressed with how mature she was about not getting to see the movie. There was no screaming or crying or any type of hissy fit. She merely said she could see it on TV in a few weeks and she’d rather go. Besides, she had a picture and an autograph and she was sure she would win the contest at school for the best summer vacation story. I hope she does win. I’m hoping for an award myself: Aunt of the Year. Her winning the contest might guarantee my success.

See the premiere of Cheetah Girls 2 on The Disney Channel, Friday, August 25, 2006 at 8pm EST, and catch the girls live at The Michigan State Fair on September 3, 2006.