It’s official! Viral sensation James Wright Chanel is having the best year ever! Just one week after landing an invite to Thanksgiving with Patti LaBelle, Chanel and the legendary singer announce that they’re partnering for a holiday cooking special. That’s right, Chanel’s little video raving over Patti’s pie’s has paid off in a big way.
“It’s one of those blessed stories,” LaBelle told PEOPLE. “For his birthday, which is Thanksgiving, we were at my home. I invited him to dinner before I even met him.”
In fact, the partners in crime first met on the set of LaBelle’s popular show. “It was his first time seeing me, so when he came into the kitchen, he saw me and my back was turned. He came up behind me and he had on these beautiful leopard pants and a necklace,” the singer continued. “We just had a love moment.”
And now, LaBelle sees herself not only as a mentor, but as a mother figure for Chanel: “He’s such a larger than life person himself; he’s like my new son. It’s just a blessing when people come into your life like this and you’re not expecting anything.” As for what you can expect from the holiday special, the duo ensures there’ll be plenty sweet potato pie … and a variety of other pies. “He’s a great sous chef, I found out,” said the 71-year-old.
But that’s not it. The new found friends are also planning to perform together. “We’re going to perform in more ways than one. He can be my lead singer and I’ll be his background singer,” she continued. Meanwhile, Chanel’s enjoying the life-changing experience. “For the past few weeks, my life has been planes and hotels,” he said. What a holiday gift. We can’t wait to see what Chanel and LaBelle have in store for us.
“Patti LaBelle’s Holiday Pies,” premieres Wednesday, December 16th at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT on Cooking Channel. “Patti LaBelle’s Holiday Pies” will also air on Food Network on Sunday, December 20th at 10:30am ET/PT.
