New Crush: Brian McKnight

Section: Romance

By Kadidja Hinds, BET.com Staff Writer

Posted Jan. 5, 2007 -- There’s nothing more refreshing than getting a close-up look at a celebrity’s “other” side. And, in this case, it’s not just any celebrity. This week I got to sit down with a celebrity who’s been belting out hit after hit, to the tune of 16 million albums since his self-title debut. Brian McKnight’s other side is funny, personable and laid-back. We laughed, swapped dating stories and watched time fly.

My new crush is cool and is definitely a “Ten” in my book.

Do you still consider yourself a heartthrob?

Whoa, that question is loaded. The minute you think you’re that, and the next time you try to get with a woman and she’s not interested, you’ll get you’re feelings hurt. You know, I don’t look at myself that way. I’m just a regular guy. I understand where it comes from, but women do that with any guy who’s famous. You’ve never seen a lonely, successful guy. I’m not special.

How do you stay looking so good?

It’s partly genetic. I have good-looking parents. I stay in shape.

Do you get your nails done?

No, I don’t get my nails done, and I don’t let anyone touch my feet.

Well, now you’re a single man and you’re officially back on the market.

Yes, I’ve been single for five glorious years. I think married life is great when it’s great. Marriage at 20 wasn’t the right thing.

Is the dating scene better now in your 30s?

Yeah, it’s better now, but I won’t say why. Let’s just say, I can afford it more now. Now, if you’re still 33 and rocking a throwback and living with mom, then I don’t know about that situation.

What are you looking for in a woman?

I go with what I see first. After a five-minute conversation, I can tell what else is going on. I like fine! I like someone who looks like they keep themselves together and in shape. And I’m kind of a fan of real hair. I prefer real hair. It’s also important that she has her own money and her own ambitions. See, the list is narrowing down. (Laughs)

You’re pretty stylish. Do you like stylish women?

I like a versatile woman. I like Juicy suits. Those are nice. I just like a woman who can get dressed up for the Grammy’s, knows how to accentuate when she needs to, knows her body and is comfortable in her body, but doesn’t show too much.

Do you have a favorite pair of jeans?
True Religions… They make my booty look nice. (Laughs) I love just wearing a T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Do you prefer your woman thick or thin?
Well, thick can be fit too, but not on the borderline. It depends on her configuration. Women like to say, “We’re all the same.” No, you’re not!

Famous or non-famous?
I don’t like famous girls. It’s very difficult to be on the DL with a famous girl. I like to keep my private life private.

Wow, famous women are off the list of contenders! So, let’s say Halle Berry strolled into a bar and wanted to get your number?

Eric is a friend of mine, so we can cut that scenario right now!

(Laughs) Have you ever been rejected?

Of course! Rejection to me is if I like you and I’m calling you and you’re not reciprocating the way I like…. That’s rejection. But there’s also times when you exchange numbers and a lot of women will think you’re only about one thing, which is true, but we can go through the motions. Hey! I’m a guy. I’m just being real. And any guy who says different, is lying.

Does rejection hurt your ego?

No. That’s the problem with most guys. I may not be her cup of tea. Her loss. I don’t sit around with a sad face, pitying myself, wondering what’s wrong with me or get angry and say, “Do you know who I am?” Seriously! Now, what if she said, “No?” That would be the worst.

How do you approach women?

They like the whole humble approach. I don’t assume a woman will know me. If you like someone, get them to laughing. That takes the pressure off. You just walk up with confidence and get her laughing.

Are you romantic?

Not a chance, but I can be. It’s important as a man to be a man when you need to be. I can be when the situation presents itself. A woman wants a man who can do anything. Women really don’t want a sensitive guy. You have to pull her hair and let her know whose boss when it’s the right time. Women don’t want a sensitive man. That’s a lie. There’s already one feminine person in the relationship.

What do you like most about yourself?

I’m an easy-going guy. I go with the flow, no matter what…, or I can change the flow. I have that power as well. (Laughs) This is me. I think that who I am and the way I’m made up is uniquely me.