1.) I just wanted to know where you buy your boots because they're so classy... And, how many boots do you have?
- Donna
Hi Donna,
It is no secret that I LOVE boots!! I just think they are sleek and so much fun to wear. I never counted how many pair I own until I read your question and I have to say that the total is 55!! I can't believe it cause I live in a NY city apartment and believe me when I tell you that the closet space is small!
I have collected my boots from different stores all over the world but mostly in NY. I will say however that I am a very thrifty shopper so the range of price for my boots are anywhere from $20 to $200. In fact, I think that only about 5 of my pairs are from $125.00 to $200.00. I do not believe in buying boots simply for the name brands. If they look good then buy them especially if they are $20!! Don't get caught up in name brands. All you're doing is making someone else rich!
2.) Hey Lilian! Me and my mom were wondering where you get your awesome arm bands from. My mom loves them, and she has bought a few from Ebay.- Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Yes, I also love arm bands! I pretty much get them from accessory places like Claire's, Icing, street vendors in NY and my leather ones came from Venice Beach, CA. I always usually buy two of the same cause I love to wear one on each arm. Tell your mom Ebay is a great idea and I'm going to be looking into that now too!
3.) Who would you consider your closest friends on the road?
- Melissa
Hi Melissa,
I have to say that I am extremely lucky to work with such great people in this company. Especially the Divas! We have such a great time in the locker room but I would have to say that Mickie James and Candice Michelle are my closest friends!
4.) My question is, you are known for the way you dress when you are announcing on RAW. How long does it take you to pick out the outfit that you wear on any given Monday?
- Jeremy
Hi Jeremy,
It depends. Sometimes when I'm at the mall I am lucky and find 5 outfits right away but sometimes it's like pulling teeth. I will say that after nine years of being with the WWE, I have become pretty good at packing. It use to take me hours but now, I just want to get it over with so I force myself to make up my mind quick. I have better things to do with my time then pack….LOL!
5.) What was the coolest fan gift you have ever received?
- Chris
Hi Chris,
I have been so fortunate to have such great fans come into my life! I really appreciate everything from the simple hello's to the scrapbooks I have received with photos of my years with the WWE. They are all so precious to me.
Something else which I have not necessarily received but have been surprised with, is that one day a fan came up and showed me his tattoo. It was on his leg and it was a huge picture of my face with angel wings attached! It was awesome! I couldn't believe he did that. There was also another fan that asked me to sign his arm and next time I saw him he showed me how he had gotten it tattooed. So incredible!! I was truly honored with both tattoos!
Thank you all for your great questions!
Forever Rockin',
Lilian :)
January 20, 2009
What is your most cherished memory? Either on or off screen.
- Britt
Hi Britt,
I have to say that in my life I have been fortunate enough to have many cherished moments. It is too difficult for me to pick just one so here is a list of some that really stand out:
1) As you may already know, I started singing the National Anthem for the WWE in February 2000. Since that time, I have been lucky enough to sing it for two Wrestlemania's, Summerslam, NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL games to name a few but these two moments are the most memorable.
l Singing the National Anthem after 9/11 in Houston, TX on 9/13/01. Although it was a very hard time for all of us, I could also feel everyone pulling together as a nation. It was an incredible moment that really made me appreciate life and everything our nation stands for.
l Dec 2004, 05, 06, 07 & 08 singing the National Anthem in Iraq & Afghanistan for our annual "Tribute to The Troops" show. As I was singing, all the soldiers were saluting and standing strong all around me. I can't tell you what an amazing and humbling experience it is to be surrounded by our brave men & women who show such strength and determination to protect our country. God Bless America and our soldiers!!
2) Not many people know this but I was in the Swim Team for 9 years and coached for 2 years. Those years are some of the most memorable because of how gratifying it was to be a part of a team that would strive so hard to win meets but do it with good sportsmanship and bond so closely. As a coach it was very fullfilling for me to watch the daily improvements of the swimmers and know I had a part in it.
3) Even though singing the Anthem at WWE events has been a big part of my job, even bigger has been the honor to be the Ring Announcer for "Monday Night Raw" for almost 10 years now. I have had the privilege of working with and announcing some really great wrestlers, both men & women, whom continuously leave me speechless with their talents.
As far as unforgettable moments announcing, it would have to be when I finally got the opportunity to announce Wrestlemania 2006 and made history by being the first woman and first Latina to announce at Wrestlemania. What an honor and what a rush!!
4) As we all know, I love singing, sports and traveling. That is why I cherish those times very dearly when I get to sing, ski & scuba dive and when I get to travel the world experiencing different cultures. I guess you can say that for me cherished moments are created everyday! Some are just bigger then others but all are cherished!!
Do you plan on doing a duet with your sister in the near future for an upcoming album?
- Mat
Hi Mat,
I love working with my sister and am very close to her. In fact, we wrote a few songs together for my "Quiero Vivir" album. I had a blast!
Some of you I think are aware that years back my sister and I were in a band together and it was amazing! I would love to sing with her again & I really hope that someday we can. For now, we will just have to resort to writing songs together. But I never say never!!
Who would you consider your all-time hero/inspiration?
- Christina
Hi Christina,
My all-time heros are truly my family members. They have always supported me through all my endeavors and encouraged me to keep striving forward. It really means the world to me to have such an amazing support system!
I have also had some amazing mentors, managers & friends that have helped me along the way with advice, connections, and moral support. Thank you to all of you!!
We always hear about people having regrets and how they would go back to fix it if given the opportunity. If you had the chance, is there something you would change? This could be either personal or professional.
- Kristen
Hi Kristen,
Wow, this is a loaded question but a good one. As you know everyone makes mistakes, some worse then others. I think it's easy to wish we could take back our mistakes but I think the important thing is to grow from them. I have made my share of mistakes in this life but I have always tried to learn from them and not let them happen again. I think this is the true meaning of growing up and what defines us. If you can turn a mistake into a positive, then it wasn't a mistake to begin with. It was meant to be!
What is your most memorable moment from when the WWE went over to Iraq for the tribute to the troops this past December?
- Chris and Abby
Hi Chris & Abby,
This trip is extremely special to me! The most memorable moments are always personally getting to say thank you to all the soldiers face to face for what they do for us. Also, as I commented before, singing the National Anthem as I am surrounded by all the troops takes me breathe away. Very emotional & very gratifying trip!
With the WWE, you are able to travel all over the world. So, I was wondering, do you collect anything from every place you go? I personally like to get shot glasses from the different states and towns I go to.
- Courtney
Hi Courtney,
Yes, I do collect things from all over the world. In fact, my house is decorated with items from many different countries, such as, swords from Spain; masks from Venice; museum replicas from Paris and sushi sets from Japan. It is quite fun and a perfect way for me to always remember these incredible places.
This is actually a two part question. When it comes to your WWE shoots, we always see them done in the outfits you announce in. However, I was wondering if there will be any future ones with you in your every day clothes like we have seen from the other girls? Also, will you be doing more work with Carl Maiorino? I loved the photos he did for your official site.
- David
Hi David,
The reason I shoot in the outfits that I announce in is because usually I do the shoots right before I go out to ringside. In fact, I have never thought of shooting in my street clothes but you have given me a good idea and I will make sure I do a shoot like that in the near future.
As for Carl, he is a wonderful photographer and yes I plan to shoot with him again but it's just that our schedules have both been tight. Thanks for your compliment; I know he will love it.
Thank you all for all your wonderful questions. I look forward to answering more. For now, take care & keep rockin'!!
Forever rockin',
Lilian G
May 15, 2009
Christina,
I was wondering, most of your female fans LOVE the way you dress, so what are your top 5 favorite stores to shop at, online or in store?
Wow, thanks for your compliment. Since I live in NY City I have the luxury of shopping in SoHo. It is an area in NYC that has tons of clothing stores but at really reasonable prices. I've never been a big Brand name girl but lately I do have to say that I love Salvage. I also shop at BeBe from time to time.
Darin,
My question is who is your top 3 bands or singers that inspire you when you are singing?
I love all types of music so it's hard to just choose 3. I would have to say that as I was going up I loved and still love Journey, Pat Benatar & Heart. However, a friend turned me on to Christian Rock music lately and I love it!! I'm a big fan now of Toby Mac, Switchfoot, Natalie Grant & Plumb.
Donna,
When you were in school, what was your best and worst subject? Also, if you weren't a ring announcer and a singer, what would you be?
In school my best subjects were Algebra & Biology and my worst was Geometry! Yuck! But, I got through it and am grateful I didn't quit. In fact, graduating honors in College is still l one of my proudest moments!
If I wasn't announcing or singing, I would be a surgeon. That's why I love Grey's Anatomy!
Shealeen,
I was wondering do you have any advice on how to write songs? I have had alot of personal experiences in my life some good and some bad but when I go to put them on paper it just doesn't come out right.
Any advice? Thanks!
As you have found out, writing songs is not easy. Everyone has a different technique as how to approach it and it's just important to find the one that suits you best. For me, I always find writing the music & melody first really helps. Then when I try and write lyrics, at least I know the amount of space and beats I am trying to fill.
Katie,
First of all, have you been skiing since your accident? Also, what's your favorite song that you've written and sung out of your singles and CD?
I am happy to say that yes, I went skiing in December and did great! In fact, since I trained so hard, my skiing was better then before the accident. It really felt amazing to get back on the mountain!!
As for my favorite song, it's really hard to choose because each song really has a special meaning to me but if I had to pick one, it would be "Angel". Lyrically, I would have to choose "Que Seria".
Charles,
What was your first reaction when you saw your toy action figure for the first time?
I SCREAMED!!! That is exactly what I did! I was so excited! I kept staring at it too. Couldn't believe how much it looked like me.
JosŽ,
If I could grant you 3 wishes, what would they be?........un saludo !
How funny, I just saw the movie "Aladdin" again and was just thinking about this. I think my 3 wishes would have to be something that benefits all of us.
#1) I would ask for all of us to have more love and patience with each other. Sometimes I think this world has forgotten how to love and without that you don't have anything!
#2) I love this country very much but sometimes feel that we are too materialistic. So I wish we could just be happy with less. I feel that would make us appreciate the simple things more and not always want, want, want.
#3) I wish every human being could travel around the world and experience different cultures. By doing so, it would teach us all to open our minds to differences and not be so ignorant in wanting things just our way.
Katy,
What would you do if you permanently lost your voice?
Cry, cry and cry! After that, I would get back up and would look into opening up my own business. It would be hard but I would have to focus on the positive.
Chris,
We've always seen you playing the face role, have you ever had an interest in testing out something heel?
I think it would definitely be fun to play a heel. I have taken lots of acting classes in my life so I would have to concentrate and apply my acting lessons to the role because in real life I love to be happy and friendly.
Johnathan,
How's it like going around the world with the WWE?
I love it, love it, love it!! I wish everyone could experience traveling all over because you really get to see different lifestyles and open your mind to diversity. I feel extremely lucky to have had this opportunity and will always cherish it!
Rose,
Do you have any tattoo's, and if so, of what?
Yes, three years ago I got my first tattoo. It is a small cross with my Leo sign inside of it. It reminds me that God always has my back.
Thank you all for your terrific questions!!
Love you all and keep rockin'!
Forever rockin',
Lilian
March 2010 Q&A
From A.J.
If you could do a song with an R&B, Country or Rap star, who would it be and why?
Hi A.J. Since I like all types of singers and music I will tell you whom I would like to do a duet with in ALL different categories of music:
R&B - Robin Thicke
Country - Keith Urban & Martina McBride
Rap - Eminem & Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park
Rock - Caleb Followill from "Kings of Leon"
Pop - Lady Gaga
I picked all these artists because they have amazing voices and style! I am a very big fan of musicians who can perform live and never lip sync. Not a fan of artists that are all "studio made" & auto-tuned to death! It's separates the true musicians from the one-a-be's.
From Jose
Four things that you like to do in 2010?
Hi Jose! I want to accomplish sooooo much but here is my top 4! No specific order:
1. Release my follow-up album
2. Go on tour with my band
3. Mentor kids!
4. Go with the flow with whatever life brings me!
From Katherine
What do you do to get over a sore throat from singing?
Hi Katherine. There are several things you can do:
1. Drink Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinals
2. Add honey to the tea, by itself or alone in hot water
**Stay away from lemon! Too acidic
3. Suck on lemon drop candy.
**Stay away from any candy/lozenges with menthol. It will dry you out too much and make the sore throat worse
4. Chew gum. It will keep your mouth moist.
5. Above allÉ.Shut up!! Sounds harsh but staying quiet is the best healer!!
The other important thing is to always vocalize before singing so that your vocal cords have a chance to warm up and won't strain. It's just like stretching before going for a run or lifting weights. Very important!!
From Mayra
Do you have any hidden talents?
Hi Mayra, I actually have two hidden talents and they both involve sports. First I love to jump rope! About 10 years ago I learned how to jump rope like a boxer doing tons of tricks including a 360 turn! I also love to swim and was in the Swim Team for 9 years and Coached for two. I held the record for breaststroke for many years! Both tons of fun and a great workout!
From Naomy
What's the funniest thing that happened to you or anyone else while traveling?
Hi Naomy, although I remember having a lot of great laughs on the road, the moment that I remember the most that brought me to utter tears is on one of our Monday Night Raw shows when Victoria (now Tara) dressed up like a Sumo wrestler for Halloween! When she came out to wrestle and kept falling on the way to the ring and while she was wrestling, it was one of the funniest scenes I had ever seen. I was laughing so hard at ringside that my mascara was running down my face and I couldn't breath! To this day when I even look at her photo, it still makes me chuckle! Simply Priceless!
From Reuben
Have you and The Rock talked at all since the good old days in WWE?
Hi Reuben, yes we have! And we still talk about how much fun we had during our interviews. In fact, one of the funniest memories is the interview we did where the "Strudel" was born. It was soooo hard for me to keep my composureÉnot sure how I did itÉLOL. Here's the link if you want to see it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtMML_zdfxA
I am very happy for him and what he has been able to accomplish in the movie world. And who knows, someday we may even be able to work together again.
From Sara
What are five things about you that fans would be surprised to know?
Hi Sara, ok here goes:
1. I hated playing with Barbie dolls as a little girlÉso I didn't!
2. I was a bit of a tomboy growing up where I loved to play with toy cars and climb trees
3. I am an adrenaline junkie
4. I was planning on becoming a doctor before I chose entertainment
5. I wanted a motorcycle instead of a car as my first vehicle. My parents said "no way" so I bought a sporty carÉ.a Hot Red Camaro!! I even named it "Shadow". I sure miss that car!!
From Elizabeth
Now that you have left the company, do you keep contact with any of your former co-workers?
Absolutely!! Whether it's through texting, twitter or when we are in each other's hometowns, I love getting together with them! I formed very strong bonds with many of them and will always keep them in my life! They are family to me!!
From Ellie
What are your 3 personal favorite moments ever in WWE?
Hi Ellie,
Wow, that is tough to answer cause I sure had some great times there and cherish all my memories but here's my top 3:
1. Singing the National Anthem after 9-11. - It was Sept 13 and we were in Houston, TX. I was asked to sing the National Anthem by Vince McMahon and it was very, very emotional for me especially cause I live in NYC. The feeling that night in the arena as I sang and all the WWE Superstars and staff were lined up on the ramp with their hands over their hearts, was one of the most emotional moments of my life. It was a true feeling of everyone coming together and Standing United!!
2. Singing the Anthem in Iraq & Afghanistan - This time it was in front of the troops. This is where the song really counted cause it was among our brave men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to defend our country. And seeing our allies among them really sent a "United We Stand" message! Another very special moment!
3. Announcing some of the greatest matches in WWE history! - It's unfair for me to distinguish which match was better then the next because I feel each match had it's own special magic. Frankly just watching the athleticism of the wrestlers throughout the years was incredible and a very cherished memory!
Thank you all for your great questions! Keep them coming for next month's Q&A!
For now, take care and Keep Rockin!
Forever rockin'
Lilian
April 2010 Q&A
kellykellyluver : Were you a good student in school? Also, what was your favorite and worst subject?
Actually I was an ok student in school until I got to college. Then I don't know what came over me but I was determined to make straight A's. Even though I didn't necessarily like all my subjects, it gave me great pleasure to try my best & gave me a sense of accomplishment to do well. That's how I graduated Cum Laude from the University of SC!
As for my favorite subject, it was a tie between Algebra & Biology. My worst subject was Geometry!! Never quite understood it and still don't!!!
Steve : Since former WWE stars Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley are doing so well in MMA, do you follow it at all?
Yes I do and I am very proud of both of them!! I was lucky enough to work with them & got to know what amazing people they are ouside the ring!
Chris : How are you enjoying the married life now that you're no longer on the road?
I love being married and also being home more to enjoy it! We do everything together!! And I've become quite the chef! :-) I never knew how much fun cooking could be!
Dustin : What is your craziest WWE road story?
Well, this is not the craziest but the most memorable. It was after 9-11. Because the planes were grounded we couldn't get home after our Houston show so Molly Holly, Ivory and I went off together in a rental car & headed to to our next show which was in Nashville. Since my sister lives there we were able to stay with her & the four of us really bonded at a time when it was really needed.
Jamie : Are you the type that has to match your nail color to your outfit, or do you have a color you always fall back on?
No way! Can't stand matchy matchy. I do however love wearing OPI "Siberian Nights". It's like a dark purple color that seems to go with everything! On a side note, believe it or not I hate getting manicures & pedicures cause I hate waiting for my nails to dry! I just do it when I have to. I will say that's it's a lot more fun going with a girlfriend!
Lauren : What are five things you don't leave the house without?
1) My Purse
2) Phone
3) Money
4) Lipstick
5) Keys
Katy : This is such a girl question, but okay. What is your favorite type of perfume or just one you're liking a lot right now?
I LOVE Poeme by Lancome!!
Kristen : You said you're really big on reality TV (aren't we all!), so if you had the opportunity to be on one..say Survivor, with a few of your former co-workers, who would you pick?
Wow, so hard to choose cause I love them all but if I had to choose - Trish Stratus, Candice Michelle, The Rock, Batista, Stacy Keibler, Torrie Wilson & Stone Cold Steve Austin just to name a few!!! Seriously, the list could go on!!
And for the record, I only like the reality shows that are fun or informative. Can't stand the stupid meaningless ones!!
Thanks everyone for your great questions & keep them coming for next month!!! :-)
May 2010 Q&A
Zoeii : Who Is the One person in the world who has inspired you? And why?
Hi Zoeii, I thank you for your question, but unfortunately I can't answer it the way you phrased it. The problem is, I can't just pick one person! I am who I am today because of a combination of people in my life. It starts with my parents, my sister, my teachers, my friends and now my dear husband. In one way or another, they have all supported and encouraged me throughout my life, and for that I am very grateful for them.
I also continue to be inspired by all of you everyday! Your daily messages brighten my day and make me feel connected to you! My sincere thanks!!
Remember, inspiration can come in many forms whether it's in a book, a person, a community, a movie, or whatever. The important thing is to BE INSPIRED! Go out and do whatever makes you happy as long as you are doing good and doing your best!
Waylon : What are 5 favorite things you like to do when you're out of town?
Hi Waylon, I love to go sightseeing, scuba diving, skiing, trying new restaurants, biking, and challenging myself with some new adventure that I have never done before! Yes, I know that was 6 things but who's counting!!
Mat : What are some of Chris's favorite meals that you cook?
Hi Mat, He always tells me he loves my meatloaf, turkey stew, salmon dish, meatballs & crepes for dessert!! Got all the recipes from my good friend Blair! Mmmm, I'm getting hungry!
Zoe : What's your secret Beauty tip? Because you ALWAYS look amazing
Wow Zoe, thanks!! I have to say that getting enough sleep is #1. Then I think it's important to eat right, exercise, laugh a lot & moisturize like crazy!!!
Krystle : Recently the TV show 'The Marriage Ref' has become pretty popular. If Chris and yourself were on the show, what would your issue be?
Hi Krystle, I love "The Marriage Ref" because it really shows how most of the time arguments can get so blown out of proportion over such stupid things! With Chris and I, I think our biggest issue is that we are both very competitive and like to be right. Sometimes that's caused us to go around in circles trying to prove our point and in the end we realize, "WHO CARES?!!" With so much drama, no one really wins. So now we don't get so caught up in trying to be right all the time cause it really doesn't matter. Since we've made adjustments, it has made life so much more peaceful!
Darius : If you could tell me what your 10 favorite songs are, what would they be?
Oh nooooo! I was hoping I would never get asked this question because it is soooo hard for me to choose!! As you know Darius, I love all kinds of music and my favorites depend on what mood I am in. However, for you, I will try and pick my top 10.
#10 - "Hella Good" - No Doubt
#9 - "Blurry" - Puddle Of Mudd
#8 - "Am Radio" - Everclear
#7 - "I Gotta Feeling'" by Black Eyed Peas
#6 - "All Summer Long" - Kid Rock
#5 - Tied between "Faithfully" & "Open Arms" by Journey
#4 - "Feel Good Inc" by Gorillaz
#3 - "She's a Beauty" by The Tubes
#2 -"California Love" - 2Pac
#1 - Anything by Pat Benatar!
August 2010 Q&A
Zoeii HuffaLump
Hi Lilian,
Who in you're life has been you're Inspiration?
Hi Zoeii,
I canÕt answer this by naming one person in particular cause there have been many people and situations that have inspired me. Of course my parents, sister & husband are at the top of the list! Their sheer belief in me inspires me to always do my best and go for my dreams. But I have also been inspired throughout the years by teachers, musicians, my church, books, movies, Joel Osteen and incredible friends. The important thing is to let yourself be inspired. Always keep a positive attitude and most of all believe in yourself!!
By the way, a really cute site for inspirational sayings is
www.beeinspired.com.
Daniel Pe–a
What are your thoughts on singers who auto-tune? Have you ever used it with your music?
Hi Daniel,
Great question. Not sure if you know but auto-tuning was invented with the idea of being able to speed up the process of recording vocals in a studio. If one or two notes are off in a song, instead of the singer having to re-sing it over and over til they get it right, auto-tuning is used. The problem is that some people have taken it to the extreme. Now, there are non-singers going into the studios and using auto-tune throughout their entire song in order to make them sound like they can sing! And then they call themselves talented?! I have also heard artists using it during live performances! Really? If you canÕt sing full time without using auto-tune then what gives you the right to call yourself a real musician!
Waylon James Myers
Hey Lilian,
During your music career you have written a lot of songs like ÒYou Just Don't Know Me At AllÓ, ÒQuiero VivirÓ, etc. While doing them all, what was your all time favorite song to sing? I know your first album was very speical for you, and now you are working on your second. You have one heck of a singing voice. Would you love to have a lot of albums out before you ever decide to quit the music world?
Hi Waylon,
Yes, I love to not only sing but also write music. It really allows me to express myself. As for my favorite song to sing, that is soooo tough because each song means something different to me. But, if I had to choose I would have to say, ÒEstoy EndrogadaÓ cause itÕs about my husband so it has special meaning to me. ItÕs also a really fun sexy song to perform.
As for quitting the music world, I really think this is the one instance where I can say NEVER! As long as I am still breathing, I will be singing! It is my passion and who I am!!
Steve Kardolly
I've seen your pics with Candice Michelle and her adorable daughter AkiAnne, have you sung any lullabies to AkiAnne yet?
Hi Steve,
Well, unfortunately since I donÕt have any kids and are not really around them a lot, I donÕt really know any lullabies. However, when I was holding AkiAnne at Venice beach one afternoon I started making up a song and singing it to her. It was rather cute how she fell asleep in my arms. Made me feel so good. She really is precious! :)
Vanessa Purcell
You recently posted on twitter a favorite Iphone app, what are some other favorites of yours?
Hi Vanessa,
My apps are really mixed between fun and necessities. I already told you about SmackTalk (hilarious) but some of the other funny ones are Fat Booth (that will definitely make you think twice about eating that twinkie) and iEmoji (love the faces!). The ones I have for necessities that I use a lot are Check Please, Card Reader, Shazam, Bump, Voice memos and iFitness. Keep in mind that IÕm always open to suggestions if you have a good app I should get!!
Katie Grib-Ghione
I just went on my honeymoon in Vegas and I was wondering with the times you've been there, did you have a favorite hotel to stay in on the strip?
Hi Katie,
First, let me start by congratulating you on getting married!! ThatÕs awesome! Wish you the best!
Yes, it is no secret that I love Vegas and have been there numerous times! I have stayed in many different hotels but my top 3 favorites are Encore, The Palms & Planet Hollywood. As far as my favorite nightclub, XS inside Encore is off the hook!! Absolutely gorgeous and fun, fun, fun!! :)
Check out Lilian's sister, Dalia and her husband Gary's website & music.
