Kel Mitchell is joined by the soul-stirring musical talents of Tye Tribbett for a first-of-its kind episode of Club Shay Shay.
The show kicks off with a nostalgic sip of orange soda, setting the tone for a journey through Kel’s life and career. Then, Tye Tribbett delivers the very first live performance on Club Shay Shay, sharing his journey from not being able to play the keys until speaking in tongues to collaborating with music legends like Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston after his work on The Prince of Egypt. After the music, Kel Mitchell shares heartfelt stories, starting from his humble beginnings working at his grandma’s candy store to his breakthrough on Nickelodeon.
He opens up about the tragic loss of his best friend at a young age and the challenges he faced balancing high school and his burgeoning acting career. From All That to the iconic Kenan and Kel show, Kel reminisces about the camaraderie with Kenan Thompson and memorable moments like encounters with Usher and LL Cool J. He delves into the origins of his character’s famous love for orange soda and reflects on the creative energy of Chicago. As a multi-talented artist, Kel recalls his comedic parodies and ventures into musical theater, including his role in Freaknik The Musical alongside T-Pain. He shares insights into his family life and friendships in Hollywood, including his bond with Nick Cannon.
Kel’s journey is also one of self-discovery and perseverance. He discusses the challenges of being a child star, seeking mentorship, and navigating creative ownership in the entertainment industry. Kel candidly opens up about his mental health struggles and finding light in the darkest times. Kel opens up about his relationship with Amanda Bynes and the heartbreak of witnessing her struggles. He reflects on some of his life’s his darkest moments, including contemplating ending it all amidst issues with his ex-wife and her pregnancy from another man.
Despite the challenges, Kel reveals how he finds solace in his faith and creative endeavors. He recounts encounters with comedy legends like Katt Williams and Dave Chappelle, and the wisdom imparted by Marlon Wayans. Kel’s journey takes him from auditioning for SNL to reuniting with Kenan on Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers, where they reconciled and shared their respective life experiences. Kel’s resilience shines through as he navigates through difficult times, including a wild divorce characterized by public scrutiny and false rumors. He speaks candidly about the intense legal battles for custody of his children and the trauma they endured as a family. Amidst health struggles and rumors of his demise, Kel finds strength in his faith and determination to rebuild his life. He shares the profound moment of forgiveness towards his ex-wife, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and trust in God. Kel’s journey is one of redemption and resilience, showcasing the power of faith, forgiveness, and the unwavering love for family.
Through it all, Kel emerges as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to persevere through life’s challenges with grace and determination.
