Jill Scott talks about bliss at Carnegie Hall

After the divorce: Jill Scott’s personal bliss

by mitzi miller / metro new york

JUN 20, 2008

On the eve of her first performance at Carnegie Hall, three-time Grammy Award winner Jill Scott dishes on the magnitude of the moment, her upcoming lead movie role and how good it feels to be single again.


This is your first show at Carnegie Hall.

Are you nervous?


Absolutely. I’ve never even seen a show there. I grew up going to Radio City Music Hall, and [performing there] was amazing. But I always thought, ‘Wow, what must it be like [to sing at Carnegie Hall]?’ And to be able to perform there. It’s almost too much.


What should fans expect to hear?


Don’t expect, just come. We flipped the show around and made it really, really funky. We’ve got wonderful musicians, and there are lots of stories inside the music. There’s a lot of intensity and passion; and that’s the way I like it. If the light and sound go as planned … Oh. My. God. It’s going to be amazing. This is my first but it won’t be my last.


You’re slated to star in the upcoming HBO miniseries “The Number One Ladies Detective Agency” based on the best-selling series by Andrew McCall Smith. What attracted you to the role?


Yes, we’re shooting in Botswana this fall. My character, Precious, is a detective who wants to cure all the ills and ails of Botswana. When I read it, I was like, ‘Wow, this is a really courageous and revolutionary woman.’


Is it true that the Botswana govern­ment is issuing a stamp in your honor?


As far as I know, it’s a go. It’s like, I’m 36-years old, I’m alive, and I have a postage stamp. You’ve got to be kidding me!


With your back­ground in theater, do you ever feel torn between acting and singing?


They’re really two different entities. But, they definitely live next to each other. I like to visit each of their houses. They’re great neighbors.


Your last album talked about the pain that comes out of a broken relationship. But today, you’re exuding happiness.

I think it was specifically the divorce. I needed that. I needed to refresh and renew. When you’re unhappy in your personal life, it’s really hard to try and create. I wasn’t feeling good.


Seems like you’ve bounced back pretty well.

I feel wonderful, and I think that’s the key. This is the best life I’ve ever had. I can’t get over it.