Brandy Opens Up About Her Memoir “Phases” While Zendaya Teases Her New Film “The Drama” on GMA

Multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer and actress Brandy Norwood stopped by Good Morning America to discuss her deeply personal new memoir, “Phases.” In the book, Brandy reflects on her journey from her humble Mississippi church roots to global superstardom, while opening up about the pressures of fame and her ongoing search for authenticity.

Known around the world for iconic roles like Cinderella and the beloved sitcom “Moesha,” along with hit songs such as “The Boy Is Mine” and “Sittin’ Up in My Room,” Brandy says writing the memoir was a way to give her younger self a voice.

The singer explained that the book allowed her to process the challenges she faced growing up in the spotlight as a child star. Through the pages, she shares the experiences that shaped her life and helped her heal from the intense scrutiny that came with early fame.

Brandy also dedicates the book to her daughter, who is currently reading it and following in her mother’s footsteps in the entertainment industry. She hopes her daughter will see not only the struggles she endured but also the strength that helped her overcome them.

Throughout the memoir, Brandy reflects on the many influential figures who uplifted her along the way, including Diana Ross and Whitney Houston. She recalls a particularly emotional moment when she had a heartfelt phone conversation with Whitney Houston just days before the legendary singer passed away. During that call, Brandy finally had the opportunity to tell Houston how much she meant to her and how deeply she inspired her career.

Brandy also spoke about reuniting with Monica for their “The Boy Is Mine” tour, saying the experience reignited her love for performing. After spending time away from the stage, reconnecting with fans who grew up with their music reminded her of the powerful impact their songs had on so many lives.

Reflecting on her career, Brandy shared that she was just 16 years old when “Moesha” debuted, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. While a reboot hasn’t happened yet, she says she would be open to revisiting the beloved series.

For Brandy, however, the most transformative phase of her life has been motherhood, which she credits with giving her a deeper sense of purpose and inspiring her to lead by example for her daughter.

She ended the interview with gratitude, telling fans that she simply wants them to know the real Brandy someone who loves creating music, values authenticity, and is excited about the future.

ROBIN ROBERTS, ZENDAYA, GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS

Later in the show, Zendaya stopped by to promote her upcoming dark comedy “The Drama,” which she describes as a film that begins like a romantic comedy before taking audiences on an emotional and unexpected turn.

Zendaya shared that the film blends humor with darker themes, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. According to the actress, it’s the kind of movie that sparks conversation and leaves audiences reflecting long after the credits roll.

The film also reunites Zendaya with Robert Pattinson, whom she described as wonderfully unpredictable and uniquely himself.

During the interview, Zendaya teased that her press tour fashion has been inspired by the film’s wedding theme, revealing that her final look will feature “something blue.” She also joked about how advanced AI has become, admitting that even she sometimes has to double-check whether certain photos of her online are real.

With several major projects on the horizon including Euphoria, Spider-Man, Dune, and The Odyssey Zendaya says she’s incredibly grateful for the opportunities she has and does her best to maintain balance in her busy schedule.

“The Drama” hits theaters this Friday.