Shanice Lorraine Wilson-Knox (born May 14, 1973), known professionally as Shanice, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Recognized for her clear, agile soprano and polished pop-soul style, she became one of the more visible young voices in contemporary R&B during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Shanice moved to Los Angeles with her mother and aunt during childhood. She began performing at an early age and gained wider attention after winning the Junior Vocalist category on the television talent show Star Search in 1984. She also appeared during the first season of the children's music series Kids Incorporated, establishing an early connection with television and the entertainment industry.
At eleven, Shanice signed with A&M Records. Her debut album, Discovery, was released in 1987, when she was fourteen. Produced largely by Bryan Loren, the album introduced a youthful but technically assured singer and produced the R&B hits "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" and "No 1/2 Steppin'". Although the record was aimed at the teenage market, Shanice's vocal control suggested an artist capable of developing beyond the conventions of teen pop.
Her breakthrough came after moving to Motown Records and releasing Inner Child in 1991. The album's lead single, "I Love Your Smile", became an international success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the American R&B chart. Its bright melody, conversational delivery, and distinctive saxophone feature by Branford Marsalis made it Shanice's signature recording. The song also earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Inner Child produced further notable singles, including "I'm Cryin'" and "Silent Prayer", a duet with Johnny Gill, and featured Shanice's technically demanding interpretation of Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You".
Shanice continued her Motown career with 21... Ways to Grow in 1994. During this period, she also contributed to film and television soundtracks. "It's for You" appeared on The Meteor Man soundtrack, while "Saving Forever for You", associated with Beverly Hills, 90210, became a top-five pop hit. She later expanded her performance work, making her Broadway debut as Eponine in Les Miserables in 1997.
In the late 1990s, Shanice worked as a background vocalist on recordings connected with artists including Babyface, Toni Braxton, Usher, and Whitney Houston. She returned as a lead artist with the self-titled album Shanice, released by LaFace Records in 1999. The album reached the top 20 of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and included "When I Close My Eyes", another major hit, as well as the Babyface collaboration "Fall for You".
After a period away from mainstream recording, Shanice issued Every Woman Dreams independently in 2006 through her Imajah label and PlayTyme Music. The album emphasized contemporary adult R&B and again included a version of "Lovin' You". She subsequently released music less frequently, including the singles "Gotta Blame Me", "We Can Fly", "Breakdown", "He Won't", and "Take Care of U". Her later television work included the reality series Flex & Shanice, which premiered in 2014. Across her career, Shanice has remained associated primarily with expressive vocal performances, crossover R&B songwriting, and the enduring international appeal of "I Love Your Smile".