The Canadian diva is still on top of the world more than a quarter-century after first topping the Billboard charts.
By Richard Pérez-Feria / Photography by Mike Ruiz

How…Did…You…Get…Here…Nobody’s…Supposed…To…Be…Here were the first lyrics I ever heard superstar recording artist Deborah Cox sing. And sing she did, OK? The lead single from the Canadian R&B diva’s second album, One Wish, released in 1998, “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” was nothing less than an instant soul classic.

The occasion of my happy discovery (who doesn’t love powerhouse divas?) was a private celebrity birthday party I attended in South Beach where the DJ played the ballad (the original version) and then immediately paired it with Hex Hector’s amazing dance remix creating something of an unforgettable soul/R&B/dance masterpiece. “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” is Deborah Cox’s most successful song to date, peaking at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-setting eight consecutive weeks and a whopping 14 weeks at No.1 on the Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, also a record. As you can see, this was quite an introduction to a most formidable vocalist. And Deborah Cox hasn’t slowed down ever since. Not even a little.

The Grammy-nominated and Soul Train Award-winning Cox was the first Black woman ever to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame and has done everything a major talent like hers requires including gracing Broadway stages, television shows, hit movies and sizzling many a red carpet as a bonafide fashion plate. A widely-regarded social justice activist, in 2020 Cox was given the Black Music Honors’ Entertainer Icon Award for her impressive quarter-century in the music industry.

Oh, but there’s more.

In her critically-acclaimed roles on both BET’s First Wives Club and Max’s Emmy-nominated Station Eleven, Cox is at her acting best and is also currently starring as Glinda and serving as co-producer of the massively-anticipated revival of The Wiz on the Great White Way. For good measure—since she’s clearly not nearly busy enough—Cox recently launched a new wine brand, Kazaisu.

So, how did she get here? With grit, a no-holds-barred determination and a gargantuan slice of pure talent. I can still remember that very first time I heard her voice those many years ago. Luckily for all of us, Deborah Cox is just getting started.

Backless Gown with Train Detail in White by LaQuan Smith
Molten Gold XL Hoop Earring by Alexis Bittar
Liquid Lucite Wave Ring by Alexis Bittar

How did you get here?
Laughs.

Is there a vocalist you admired growing up that you wanted to emulate?
Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Stevie Wonder, the list goes on. I feel like growing up was a real melting pot of music. From the records my mom played and then the amazing music from the 80s pop radio and then when I discovered Broadway show tunes…I heard the best of the best!

Who should play Deborah Cox in the movie of your life?
Good question….I think there is an amazing actress out there who could play the younger version of me. But I can play myself. I am still growing and learning with still so much to offer.

What’s the biggest misconception about you?
That I am this reserved, quiet person. I have my moments but I am an extrovert introvert. I love my quiet moments to recharge and be by myself but I love a party too!

**Left:**
Sequin Gia Gown by GEORGINE
Belt by Stylist Own
Black + Gold Beaded Necklace by Laruicci
Acrylic Bangle Bracelet - Black and Tube Bangle - Gold by Alexis Bittar
Gold Ring by Laruicci
Earrings by Lili Claspe
Arm Gold Cuff Bracelet by Laruicci
**Right:**
Choker by Laruicci
Circle Gold Piece by Laruicci
Gold Ring by Laruicci
Earrings by Lili Claspe
Tube Bangle - Gold by Alexis Bittar

What are you most looking forward to?
After this show, a nice vacation… to my secret hideaway.

Let’s talk about The Wiz. Can you believe it’s really happening?
It is absolute destiny. I have played nearly every role in my lifetime. To portray Glinda and create a new blueprint for Glinda is mind blowing. I have always loved The Wiz. I love the music and I’ve learned so much from all the iterations. What makes me most happy is being able to pay homage to the legacy of it.

Would you ever do a complete album of the biggest diva anthems ever recorded from Donna Summer, Streisand, Celine, Whitney, Mariah and more?
Oooooo great idea! That’s a great idea!

CELINE - Strapless, Column Couture Gown by Esé Azénabor
Rings by Lili Claspe
Rings by Laruicci
Gold Shoes by Maison Ernest

What would surprise your fans to know about you?
That I’m a homebody!

Is there anything left to do on your entertainment bucket list?
A lot….that I will share when the time permits!

**Left:**
Earrings and Necklaces by Laruicci
Belt by Stylist Own
**Right:**
Sequin Gia Gown by GEORGINE
Belt by Stylist Own
Black + Gold Beaded Necklace by Laruicci
Acrylic Bangle Bracelet - Black and Tube Bangle - Gold by Alexis Bittar
Gold Ring by Laruicci
Earrings by Lili Claspe
Arm Gold Cuff Bracelet by Laruicci

What are your thoughts on today’s multitude of empowered women in the music industry: Taylor Swift? Beyoncé? Ariana Grande? Pink? Jennifer Hudson?
Don’t forget Rihanna….

I love the all of these ladies and really love watching the algorithm change as each one shares something on social media. I love the narrative of taking the industry into your own hands and doing YOU. It’s empowering to see them not let the media create a narrative about them. They are in control of that!

If you could change one thing or moment from your past, what would that be?
I wouldn’t change a thing.

Finish this sentence: Deborah Cox is….
every woman then …..cue the song! Hahaha!

Instagram:
@deborahcox

**Left:**
Hand Embroidered Caftan by GEORGINE
Earrings by Laruicci
Bangles by Laruicci
Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti
**Right:**
Dress by Bibhu
Tube Bangle - Gold by Alexis Bittar
Small Molten Bangle Bracelet - Gold by Alexis Bittar
Brut Double Link Drop Earring - Gold by Alexis Bittar

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Deborah Cox
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Interview by Richard Pérez-Feria
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Hair: Corey Tuttle for Exclusive Artists using Oribe Haircare
Makeup: Deney Adam at Blonde + Co
Assistant Stylist: Moises Nunez
Fashion Stylist Intern: Atėnė Asakavičiūtė
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Deborah Cox, Superstar