VH1's "Daytime Divas" Premieres Tonight

Vanessa Williams in "Daytime Divas"

Can't wait for the series premiere of Daytime Divas tonight!

There's only one "I" in Diva!

And who better to be head diva than Vanessa Williams?

Based on former The View host Star Jones' novel, Satan's Sisters, Williams stars as the tough creator and host of a daytime talk show. The TV talker features five women who aren't afraid to bare their claws when the cameras are off.

NewNowNext has a terrific interview with the Ugly Betty/Desperate Housewives star which includes questions about strong women and LGBT storylines.

You’re an outspoken LGBT rights advocate. Does Daytime Divas have any LGBT characters or storylines?

One of the co-hosts of The Lunch Hour, the show within our show, is sexually fluid with no apologies. And I think one of our strongest episodes is when Janet Mock comes on as a guest co-host. Our conservative evangelist co-host has a son who’s trans, and you’d think she would be judgmental, but she’s actually his champion and calls him by the name he wants. She asks Janet some really interesting questions, and Janet answers them in the most beautiful, sensitive way. I’ve never seen anything quite like it on an hour-long dramedy.

Maxine isn’t your first diva. Why are you so drawn to strong, powerful women with impeccable style?

Well, it’s how people see me, and it’s something people know that I can do believably, not broadly. I played a diva in Kiss of the Spider Woman, my first Broadway show, but I’ve been doing those types of roles since high school. Maybe my dancing background gives my gait and stature something that signifies power and elegance.

Is America not ready to see you as an average woman who wears flats?

I don’t know, but it might be fun to take on that challenge. Right now, by the way, I’m wearing very comfy, sensible shoes. But there’s a certain ease about playing Maxine because she is aging, and it’s great to be able to play a woman who actually looks her age. I’m 54 and proud of it, so it was a luxury to not have to get all pumped and pulled for a change.

Watch the first 8 minutes of the pilot below, and catch the full episodes on VH1 Mondays at 10PM ET.