Singer extraordinaire Carmen Carter talks about ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Singer extraordinaire Carmen Carter is the best kept secret on “Dancing with the Stars” and on March 13, she spoke to Examiner.com for an exclusive interview. The amazing performer has been a part of “DWTS” since the very first episode in 2005. She’s looking forward to season 16 when a new cast laces up their dance shoes and hits the ballroom for the very first time. Carmen is known for her exotic headpieces, but her powerful and signature voice are what sets her apart. During the all-star season, she received rave reviews after performing Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and fans can’t wait to see what she will sing this season.

Carmen Carter’s musical career has been undeniably eventful and exciting. For eight years, she’s captivated audiences with her amazing and soulful voice on “Dancing with the Stars.” However, what fans don’t know is that Carmen is probably one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. She's appeared on many different TV series and sang the theme songs for “Moesha,” “Sister Sister,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” “Strong Medicine,” “The Strip,” “Hercules,” “Teacher’s Pet,” and “PB & J Otter.”

On top of her regular TV work, Carmen Carter has also made contributions to the big screen with performances in “Nutty Professor II," “Meet The Fockers," “The Comebacks," “Déjà vu," “John Q," “Big Momma’s House," “Men of Honor,” plus 20+ other movies. Calling Carmen Carter busy is a huge understatement. She’s a musical force who packs a powerful punch in Hollywood.

Carmen has provided background vocals to music giants Michael Buble, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Lionel Ritchie, Julian Lennon, Peabo Bryson, Brandy, John Tesh, Kimberly Locke, and many others. Plus, she's appeared on tributes to Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones. Carmen Carter released “Can I Be With You Tonight?” and it’s an eclectic assortment of sensual melodies that will ignite the dance floor. Check out carmencarter.com to order her signature music.

Last weekend, Carmen participated in Muse-ique’s tribute to Tena Clark at the Pasadena Pacific Auditorium. Grammy-winning Clark has written and/or produced music for Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Leann Rimes, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, NASA and many, many more. During the tribute, Carmen sang Clark's “Congratulations,” which was originally performed by Vesta Williams. After Carmen’s rendition, audience member Norman Lear approached the “DWTS” singer and told her that he was “overwhelmed” by her performance. “I was so excited to meet him,” Carmen stated.

Concerning the upcoming season of “Dancing with the Stars,” Carmen Carter is excited about the new cast. She said that D.L. Hughley brings a lot of comedy to the ballroom and added, “In addition to being funny, he’s very smart and political. I appreciate that about him.” She hopes that Wynonna Judd will perform at some point and is looking forward to seeing Dorothy Hamill dance with Tristan MacManus. Carmen refused to say whom she thinks will win, but she feels Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman could be a strong contender. “It’s always exciting. Every season becomes the best season ever,” she stated.

According to Carmen, the entire "DWTS" cast is like one big family. She said that Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tomioli and Len Goodman are all very open and approachable. “They talk to the audience. They love to interact with people and are very gracious,” Carmen explained. “They’re also very cool, fun and funny.”

“Tom Bergeron is the best,” she added. Carmen explained that on day one of season one, she asked Tom to take a photo with her family. The host insisted that the hallway was a bad backdrop, so he led everyone to the main stage. “He was so gracious,” Carmen stated. Tom also hosts a party for the entire cast every season. Concerning Brooke Burke Charvet, Carmen says that she is strong and intelligent, but soft and feminine at the same time. “She was a great addition to the show.”

Fans look forward to hearing Carmen Carter sing again on “DWTS.” The new season premieres at 8 p.m. EST on Monday, March 18 on ABC. The first results show elimination airs at 9 p.m. on March 26. During last season's final, Melissa Rycroft defeated fellow all-stars Shawn Johnson and Kelly Monaco to win the mirror ball trophy.

Related articles:

Do you want to stay in the know? Then sign up to get my articles personally delivered to your in-box. Just click on subscribe, and you’ll stay up-to-the-minute with your favorite TV shows, including “Dancing with the Stars.”