Renowned songstress Toni Braxton bares her pre-performance jitters as she delves into her nerve-racking experience guest-starring on the season finale of The Neighborhood. “I was fine until they said Action,” Braxton confides. The seasoned performer, known for her hits like “Un-Break My Heart,” admits to still experiencing butterflies even after over three decades in the spotlight.
Braxton’s cameo in the show, where she portrays herself, is based on a real-life incident involving cast member Marcel Spears. The narrative spins around Spears’ partner, Courtney, experiencing a dramatic water break at a concert, originally a Beyoncé show but swapped with Braxton for the series. Braxton reflects on her apprehension, especially in tight spaces, before filming commenced. However, as the cameras rolled, nerves gave way to the familiar rush of adrenaline she knows so well.
Surprisingly, Braxton’s involvement in the finale stemmed from a personal connection with the show’s star-producer, Cedric the Entertainer. Their families’ past intertwining led to Braxton eagerly accepting the offer to appear. She was particularly impressed by the script’s personalized touch, marking her first time portraying herself on screen.
The episode’s inspiration stems from Spears’ real-life experience, where he and his partner found themselves unexpectedly welcoming their daughter, Nola Renai, during a Beyoncé concert. The show’s attempt to involve Beyoncé herself, albeit via FaceTime, underscores the lengths they went to for authenticity. However, as Spears recounts, the plans fell through due to the singer’s commitments.
Braxton commends the show’s clever adaptation of the real-life event, seamlessly integrating it into The Neighborhood’s narrative fabric. She notes the brilliance of the storyline, acknowledging how it resonates with audiences.
On set, Braxton’s role extended beyond acting, as she finds herself coaching Courtney through labor, a role she savored despite her personal childbirth experiences differing. With filming wrapped, Braxton expresses her openness to returning to The Neighborhood, fueled by the warm invitation extended by the show’s team.
The Neighborhood’s season finale promises an engaging blend of drama and humor, airing Monday on CBS.
