By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Lexi’s hit show on The Word Network. She’s a hard-hitting journalist, asking tough questions and getting honest answers.
I recently got the chance to catch up with Lexi, to ask about her show, her explosive interview with Tonex and the backlash from it, and her take on her role as a journalist.
I’m now an even BIGGER support of this woman of God (oh, and today’s her birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!). I think you’ll enjoy our chat, too. Here’s Lexi…
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EJ: Hi, how are you?
Lexi: I’m good. How are you?
EJ: I’m good, thank ya. I want to, first, thank you for chatting with me. I’m sure you’re pretty busy.
Lexi: A lil’ bit. *laughs*
EJ: I know it! Well, let’s get right to it… I wanna chat about your show. You have, of course, been successful as a vocalist in the gospel industry, but journalism also seems to be such a natural fit for you– have you always had aspirations to do this?
Lexi: No. No, I didn’t even know that this is what I wanted to do. I had no clue at all. I kinda just fell into it.
EJ: How did The Lexi Show come about?
Lexi: Through a relationship with Lewis Gibbs (of The Word Network). My late husband and I had done a jingle for The Word Network and that opened the door.
I was watching The Word Network after that, and I saw someone interview Karen Clark-Sheard and he kept calling her “Karen Clark,” and she kept saying “I’m Karen Clark-SHEARD.” *laughing*
EJ: Wow. *laughing*
Lexi: And I was asking myself “why doesn’t this person know who she is?! Why is interviewing her and he doesn’t know his stats?” You know? It just made me angry. So I called Lewis and I said “listen, there’s somebody on your network that is interviewing these artists, these friends and peers of mine, and they don’t know their stuff.”
And it made me angry because, you know, I always use the example of sportscasters on ESPN. They know the stats of these athletes, they know the players, they know the teams… and why is this guy not giving the same respect to gospel artists?!
EJ: Right.
Lexi: So, I said “you know what? Give me an opportunity to do it. I’ll be at the Bobby Jones retreat, it won’t cost you a dime… just give me a chance to do it.” He said “have you ever done TV?” And I said “no, but I can do better than THAT guy!”
EJ: *laughs* Basically!
Lexi: And he said “we’ll see.” We got down there and he allowed me to do a couple of interviews and they were fantastic because they were my FRIENDS, so it just kinda flowed. The interviews were better than they had been, so he was like “oh okay!”
So, the guy who had been doing them, he got a little jealous. He was supposed to do the 4pm-6pm timeslot of interviews and he just didn’t show up.
EJ: Nooooooooo! Are you serious?!
Lexi: Yeah, he got really P.O.’ed. So, he didn’t show up. They called me in my hotel room, and my husband and I were taking a nap cuz it had been a long day. And something TOLD me not take my make-up off… *laughs*
EJ: *laughing*
Lexi: And I hate to sleep in make-up. But something told me “don’t take it off.” And Lewis Gibbs called me and said “are ya busy?” I said “takin’ a nap with my hubby.” He said “can you come back down?” And my husband said “uh huh… this is where it starts.”
EJ: Wow.
Lexi: After that, shortly after that, my husband passed and it changed my life. I was depressed and on medication… I’m not ashamed to say it. I was taking PILLS… anything to get this pain off of me.
EJ: Sure.
Lexi: I was really messed up and depressed, wouldn’t leave my home… One day, Lewis called me and asked what I was doing. I said “absolutely NOTHING.” He asked if I could cover the backstage area of the Stellar Awards and I said “I might as well.”
It gave me the chance to get out of the house and do something different. I did it, they thought it was good, and that started it. After that, I did a couple of things for them and I said “you know, one day, you guys are gonna give me my own show.”
EJ: *laughs*
Lexi: He laughed because The Word Network doesn’t do that. They don’t do original programming– they just air ministries. They don’t put money into that… into developing original programming. But a year later, he gave me the opportunity. He said “we’re not gonna pay for any of it, do it on your own, but you’ve got 30 minutes of free airtime.”
They gave it to me on a Saturday, when no one watches. *laughing*
EJ: And you did it on your own budget?
Lexi: With my own money. Yeah! And he said “air what you wanna air, and do YOU.” I didn’t know what to do with it, exactly, but I knew a couple of camera people, took my own money, said “this is what I can pay y’all,” and it started.
I didn’t know what direction to take, I just knew I wanted to talk to people. I didn’t want to be the next “Oprah,” I had no intentions of doing anything similar to that. But I love people and everybody has a story. If you talk to them long enough, anybody over 30… they can tell you SOMETHING. Whatever it is– and it’s not always as sensational as the latest stories that I’ve done, but PEOPLE are sensational.
EJ: Absolutely. While we’re talking about “sensational,” lemme tell you– your new season premiered last month and you stepped onto the scene so ferociously! *laughing*
Lexi: *laughs* Oh Lordy!
EJ: I want to ask you about what has become one of the most explosive pieces of journalism we’ve seen in gospel in a very long time– your interview with Tonex.
Lexi: Yeah.
EJ: Many people have seen it by now, it was on TV, on the web… Tonex was very candid and honest with you about his artistry, his motivations and, perhaps most widely discussed, his sexuality. As you interviewed him, and you heard him say things that you KNEW would cause the industry to give him the side-eye, what ran through your mind?
Lexi: Umm… I was as shocked as everybody else was.
EJ: No. Really? Well, you maintained your composure.
Lexi: I had to! You don’t see journalists on Dateline and 20/20 fallin’ over chairs, like we know how to do… like, “awww, Laawwwwd!” That was going on inside.
I’ve known Tonex for years and we always keep it real. I don’t plan my interviews at all. I had a couple of things in mind that I wanted to ask. And I told him “we’re going to talk about the rumors about your divorce, and about your dad, and about the mental breakdown.” THAT’S what we were gonna talk about.
EJ: Right.
Lexi: And I thought we were gonna have a little tit-for-tat because I know him. And we like to do this witty banter together.
EJ: *laughing*
Lexi: Yeah, I thought we were gonna have this creative witty banter and talk about the wigs and platform heels, dah dah dah… I was going to ask questions about homosexuality and ask what he thinks about that.
Because we’ve talked about it before and he said “people are making me mad because they accuse me of being gay” and he seemed to deny it then. So, I thought he was gonna do the same thing. But, he didn’t do it.
EJ: RIGHT!
Lexi: So, when he said “I don’t struggle”… WHOA! Wait a minute. And I caught that and thought “lemme ask it another way.” And I said “do you sleep with men?” And he said “I don’t SLEEP… with MEN…” I said “whoa, where is this kat going…”
EJ: *laughing*
Lexi: And so I said “do you practice homosexuality,” and he said “what, like a piano?” So, I thought “okay, witty banter… we’re there.” So, I went for it and asked if he was attracted to men, and that’s when he went there. And the whole thing changed.
I didn’t know we were going there. I’m still surprised now. *laughs* And we did that months ago.
EJ: Sure. And now, it’s big news.
Lexi: I’ve gotten a lot of hate mail. Hate mail has come in from the SAINTS. I’ve been called a “fat b****”…
EJ: WHAT?!
Lexi: Oh yeah. Yeah, I’ve been cussed out. People are saying I have a Jezebel spirit, that I’m allowing the devil to use me for the gay agenda… umm… oh yeah, the hate mail is coming in by the droves.
EJ: From the good ol’ Christians?
Lexi: The good ol’ Christians. Gotta love ‘em. And I’m hitting them back, saying “I’m a journalist. I’m not gonna sit up there and debate with anybody about what they believe. I’m going to allow them to tell their story.”
And the Bible says we PERISH because of a lack of knowledge. You never would’ve known this had I not done the interview. So, what are you going to do with it? Are you going to continue to write me letters, or are you going to get on your knees and PRAY about something that you think should be prayed about?
EJ: Wow.
Lexi: Handle it. And stop writing me, because when it’s your time and it’s “One-On-One with Ben” or “One-On-One with Sarah,” then you can do your own show. But until then, I’m going to continue to do what I do.
Well, why did I do that?! They hit me back with “oh, you are HORRIBLE. I will NEVER watch… dah dah dah.” I hit ‘em back with two words “don’t agree.”
EJ: Sure. I wrote a post about that, too… about how we, as a Body of Believers, sometimes use hate-filled words to push the agenda of holiness. I’m all for holding up the blood-stained banner, but you can’t do it hatefully.
Lexi: No, you can’t. And that’s what I’m trying to say. But some people aren’t feelin’ that. And I keep telling people– I’m the right person for this job. Because I’m THIS CLOSE to cussing you out.
EJ: *laughs*
Lexi: *laughing* But I won’t do it because it’ll be all over everything and I’ll lose my credibility. I love Jesus, but that’s one of my things. Some people smoke and drink, hey… I liked to cuss. That’s my thing. You know? That’s my thing and so I have to really watch myself.
I don’t do the hate thing. And Jesus never did that. He NEVER did that, so where are we getting that? But when I say that, it’s “you’re advocating!” Whatever. I’m over you. NEXT!
EJ: Basically.
Lexi: And here’s what folks forget– you forget what YOU did. You mean to tell me you haven’t done anything? See, I know what I do. If I knew you a little better, we could talk. *laughing*
EJ: *laughing*
Lexi: So, I just don’t judge because I need SO much mercy, SO much grace every single day. I’m so not perfect. And I can’t stand when people act like they haven’t done anything, like their walk is SO perfect. It makes me angry.
EJ: Yep.
Lexi: It couldn’t be further from the truth, but they hide behind their little web posts and their positions. I got an email from a youth pastor– “I’m a youth pastor and I can’t believe this. Do you have any idea how many people are gonna want to follow Tonex?”
That’s your JOB, sir. As a youth pastor, that’s a platform for you to go to your youth ministry and say “hey, I know we listen to Tonex’s music, but I don’t agree with this, let me tell you what the word says.” It’s a platform for you to teach. I mean… just STOP IT!
EJ: *laughs* Oh, you’re HILARIOUS! How do you prepare for an interview? Do you just show up, or what kind of homework are you doing beforehand?
Lexi: That’s a good question. I love doing my homework. For some of these artists, it’s a no-brainer because I know them. But for other people, like I had to do something about Rev. Ike when he died, I had to really study stuff on the internet to learn more about him.
I have to do my research and get my own take on the person. Then, I ask the questions that I wanna know. And usually, the questions that I wanna know the answers to, they’re what everybody wants to know. But I do lots of research.
EJ: Well, it shows. I’ve just been so thoroughly impressed with your show. Even from the very beginning, as my wife and I watched, we just marveled at the professionalism behind it. Even down to, as I said in my earlier post about it, the jazzy intro– I was so glad you didn’t have some hyper-churchified intro music.
Lexi: Can’t do it.
EJ: *laughs* I got a little backlash for that from someone, like “what’s wrong with CHURCH music?!”
Lexi: I saw that! I can’t take it.
EJ: *laughs* Right. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it was refreshing to see you doing it your way. And the interviews– I thought “finally, here’s a journalist in the gospel community who demonstrates a professionalism on par with those we consider excellent in the mainstream media.”
Lexi: Thank you, EJ.
EJ: I mean it. And I wish you all the best in this new season. I think programs like yours, with motivations like yours, are needed in the gospel and Christian community.
Lexi: Wow.
EJ: And I appreciate you for chatting with me.
Lexi: Oh, man… I love you. I love your website.
EJ: Thank you so much!
Lexi: Yes! You’re awesome.
EJ: I appreciate it. And we’ll talk soon… maybe I’ll see you at one of these events with a mic in your hand.
Lexi: For sure. Thanks, EJ.
EJ: No doubt. Bye!
Lexi: Bye.
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So, that’s that!
Umm… can you imagine Christians being so angry with her that they would cuss her out for not checking Tonex about his sin? How backwards is that?!
Y’all, keep praying cuz we (the Body) need help.
But before you do, lemme know what you thought of the interview! 
Another great interview EJ!! The Lord is certainly blessing you, man...you just keep them coming. I love that you're interviewing real people that give real answers and real accounts of their lives. I loved how Lexi didn't try to play it so cool like she wasn't at all shocked; yet she understood the importance of credibility and professionalism as it pertained to her platform. And her candor about where she was ready to "go" with people that pushed her buttons. Sometimes we just need to see that other people feel like that too. It really helps to know that people that are influential in the gospel industry are just like me. Their feelings get hurt, they get frustrated, and they are tempted to lash out--but by God given strength... Lexi definitely moved up in my book and I will certainly make a more concerted effort to see each of her shows knowing how much sweat equity she put into it, and knowing that she really is advancing the gospel industry with a great heart for people.
Whew she's a lil long winded (lol) but I enjoyed the conversation. She seems really down the earth and its funny that cussin is her stuggle (never wouldve guessed it lol). I'm a fan of her music and the show. She's a great fit. The lil part about Tonex witty banter had me cracking up. "Do you practice homosexuality?".... "What like a piano?" HAHA!!! Tonex is the man Great interview!
I've always liked the show because she would ask exactly what I want to know and she is very entertaining. Those facial expressions tell all everytime and mine usually match her reaction. I have'nt even met Lexi, but she reminds me of all my sisters and close friends (sassy, intellectual, beautiful, and brave). We all believe that when you have that much going on, "Ain't Nobody Mad But the Devil!" The interview provides a great summary of how she started the show..very interesting and inspirational. My favorite show was when she interviewed the famous preacher that stays on the internet. They talked about everything from clothes to hair. I laughed the entire time!
EJ, I'm so glad you did this interview with her. She has been getting a lot of backlash from the church. The "saved ones!!" I think she's doing a great job and she needs encouragement. The hate mail, in a way, goes to prove some of what Tonex was saying in terms of hypocrisy. That's not showing love. Lexi, keep doing what you are doing. Do it your way girl! We're watching and supporting.
Lexi you keep doing yo thang! I loved your show. It was real! I love it when Christians are being real and not fake! Your guest told it like it was (in their life). Doesn't mean what they do is right with God. What IS sad, is proclaiming God's word, and not recognizing the sin you are committing! Prayer is much needed!
I must admit that I was one of those that had to be home to check out Lexi on a Saturday afternoon...just love the show that much. For those calling her out of her name and cussing at her is totally absurd! (I am kind of shocked that cussing was her thang; Lexi, you come off so poised. Not that I'm mad; I have had that struggle also and people can't believe that about me either.) Also, for these Aints (can't call them Saints right now) to be so belligerent regarding the interview done with Tonex shows a deeper problem...you have to win someone through love and compassion. A soft answer or rebuke comes across a lot better than a loud, hard slap or tongue-lashing!
Thanks for the interview EJ, I love watching the Lexi show!
It's very telling this this article is not generating as much explosive and emotional responses from the people as quickly as the Tonex article did. It's also very telling that there's a deep rooted animosity and borderline hatred amongst some of the believers toward people who vocally speak on homosexuality is a non threatening and non - judgmental way. Its very sad that Lexi received this type of nonsense all for doing her job as a reporter. But as I have always believed was the purpose of the interview (and it seems it was destined to come out and glad that it did unexpectedly as it did), there’s a larger spirit of hypocrisy that needed to be exposed and it did in a BIG way. If you’re gonna be right, be ALL the way right! We as Christians shouldn’t downcast those who have given in to homosexual desires, yet “excuse” those who’ve had premarital sex, had children out of wedlock, those who’ve committed adultery, etc.. We need to be mindful if we’re gonna be on the battlefield speaking out against “sin”; be just as vigilant and headstrong and emotional on speaking out against ALL sin, NOT just the ones that you feel is easier to get a rise out of the people. Thanks EJ for bringing the “OTHER” side of this story out! It kinda bring things into full perspective when Church folks are exposed propagating and sensationalizing certain sins all the while knowing they are not faultless themselves. Where there’s darkness, it shall come to light! Seem like that applies to ALL people in every sense of the word.
I'm "surprised" that Lexi is "surprised" at the backlash she has received from the church community. She aired a controversial personality on a non-secular station and expected what? A warm reception? I also find Lexi's motives suspect. Oprah invited Whitney Houston on the first show of her talk show's new season because Whitney had a compelling story to tell -- and could send ratings through the roof. Lexi invited Tonex on the first show of the new season because he too had a compelling story and he too, could send ratings through the roof. We (maybe I should say I) have known for several years that Tonex is bi-sexual. Since his divorce, he has "outed" himself on numerous occasions i.e. through interviews, through sexually explicit lyrics & music uploaded on his site after his divorce as well as homoerotic images that he had posted on myspace. (His myspace page was whitewashed awhile back prior to his gospel CD's release). The Lexi/Tonex interview was not to encourage dialogue, the interview was for ratings pure and simple. Lexi is a gospel recording artist and a member of the gospel community -- It is inconceivable that she did not know (as she claims) that Tonex embraces a same-gender loving lifestyle. My respect and support of Lexi would be more forthcoming if she would be truthful (to herself) and admit what her motives were -- Seems like the only person who has been honest in this process has been Tonex. This was not journalism -- Walter Cronkite style. This was journalism -- Maury Povich style. Both Tonex and Lexi had their own agendas -- Sadly, neither of their agendas edified or enlightened the kingdom.
Shari, With all due respect, I disagree. Lexi revamped the show and no matter what television program you watch (even church programs: T.D. Creflo, Joyce), it's ALL about ratings. That's how they remain on the air to share their message. And furthermore, the interview with Tonex has clearly generated dialouge or else you wouldn't be responding right now. Was it gimmicky or sensationalism: maybe it was and it worked. People ARE talking and in my opinion, it did benefit the kingdom. It has made the saints (or should have) come off the high horse and be as real as the God we serve and stop being so busy throwing stones.
Shari: You took the words right out of my mouth. I agree with you 100%. Sensationalism was WRITTEN all over the Lexi/Tonex interview. Nothing about this interview benefitted the Kingdom of God. There is no way Lexi did not know Tonex was gay as she claims. Are you kidding me???????????? She knew exactly what this interview would generate - RATINGS!!
Some of y'all are crackin' me up. Lexi didn't say that she didn't know he was gay... she said she didn't know he was going to SAY it, in the interview, on the air. Often, we get into such heated debates on this blog because we fail to read accurately. But I bet our collective blood pressures would do a lil' better if we would simply read without bias and preconceived notions... I think we'll get a lot more out of the posts. I apologize if my transcription of our chat was unclear... just wanted to clarify that point.
EJ, great interview bro! Ive been enjoying viewing Lexi's show. Her interview style is very on point to me....Great job Lady Lexi!!
Great job EJ!! I loved the interview.
Great interview, EJ... And I think God used Lexi to pull back yet another curtain. In this season, God is exposing things about His church and His people so that we can stop hiding in dark corners with our foolishness and get our lives in order so that we can really minister to people who need Jesus...cause time is running out, Church! He's teaching us that turning a blind eye to sin instead of REALLY praying and fasting for folks deliverance is hurting the church. He's teaching us that LOVE (even as we present the word) is the only way to reach people. He's teaching us it is not our job to put time restraints on someone's deliverance...that we are to love them through it no matter how long it takes. He's teaching us that NO SIN will enter heaven and we need to stop treating people like our sins aren't as bad as theirs. Say what you want about Lexi's motives but GOD allowed that interview to air for a reason. Don't be so busy picking apart what was wrong with it that you miss what God is trying to do for you through it. ;-)
"read without bias and preconceived notions" Ej you just said a mouth full right there. That's the problem with church folks and why it's hard to have intellgent conversation.
EJ, great interview with Lexi with her sassy self! Keep on doing what you're doing Lexi. In a world where everybody wants to get paid, It is wonderful and yet a teaching moment that you invested your time and your own money in your earlier shows just to get in the door. You better work it Beautiful Sista!!!!!
I LOVE Lexi...and I love you! This was great! She is REAL and a real believer. It shows! Although I can't believe you didn't tell her what the Bible says about cussing. I mean your pushing the cussers agenda. You know, thats how people turn into cussers....LOLOLOL I'm JUST KIDDING!!!!
Heh hehheh! @Grammi: THAT is why I appreciate ur comments. LOL
Did anybody see the latest show with bishop weeks?
Good interview EJ but I do have a problem with the last part saying people got upset with her for not checking Tonex with what he said. Yeah I was upset about because after the interview she did her declaimer saying she doesn't believe in what tonex said. She keeps saying she is a journalist. Yes she is but the difference is she a Christian who happens to be a journalist. And it is at the point the God in her should have stepped up and said "Tonex I hear what you’re saying but the word of God says this about homosexuality" The sad thing is she didn't do that. She came after Pastor Toney Smith why didn’t she come at tonex? For ratings I have no clue, she's not being paid for it so who knows. Just don't cop out with the journalist line. If I wasn't saved & watched that interview & didn't see her challenge or correcting tonex then I being unsaved would have thought he was right because she said nothing to him and as a Christian the bible says it's our jub to put in check those that are out of order in the body of Christ. It is the world that God will judge. (1 cor 5:12 For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Isn't it those who are part of the community that you should be judging? 13 God will judge those who are outside) She still has a great show I don't have the word network where I live & therefore have to watch it in YouTube. I'm waiting for thegeorge bloomer carlton pearson debate or interview..
Jay your are absolutely right! In journalism your taught to expect the unexpected when interviewing and what to do when that happens. The journalist should have gone back to her training if thats the role she's going to play. If she was caught of by what he said and admitted the journalist woul have played devils advocate and brought the word of God to him and ask how he can take that stand when the good news he proclaims to preach speaks 100% against the stand he's taking and then took him to the word. The truth will always be victorious against lies and falsehood. I think lexi show is also great byt like it stated above right is right and wrong is wrong and you can't forget that our saved because you have a title of a journalist. I too loved the way she hit back at Pastor Tony Smoth and all the stuff he was saying but why not do they same with tonex? My problems is don't sugar coat what you didn;t do by saying i'm a journalist. She didn't speak up b/c i don't know why. The disclaimer she did after the interview was weak and should have been said during the interview... Thats my opinion. Oh yeah Good point on that scripture jayand EJ good interview!
Sin is sin...that's understood. There is only one sin that declares...I mean demands that it is not a sin. This sin attempts to warrant acceptance. This sin demands that it is specially treated. This sin looks to be affirmed by 'church' folk. It's totally not a surprise when the love of Christ comes across extremely strong, aggressive, and offensive against this particular sin compared to the other sins. The other sins are fully persuaded that they are nothing more than hell bound sins. The Bible teaches we must deal spiritually violent with sin, especially the sin that refused to be identified as such.
EJ the interview was great! I'm new to your website and its really great!! and I can't say it enough..I LOVE LEXI...I love the show and wouldnt miss it for nothing. I feel that she is just as real as they come and I love her direct approach to whatever subject she tackles. She is no PHONEY! We as saints of the Most High have to come out the closet of church etiquette and be real SAINTS. (We) have a job to do. Lets do it in Love! Lexi tells the truth, speaks whats on her mind (and most of ours) and still exemplifies holiness with a special God given flare. GO HEAD ON Lexi!!