Andra Day

Andra Day, born Cassandra Monique Batie on December 30, 1984, in Edmonds, Washington, is an American R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and actress. Raised in San Diego, California, she began singing at a young age in her church and later attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Day's breakthrough came with her debut album, Cheers to the Fall (2015), which earned her Grammy nominations and introduced her powerful anthem, "Rise Up" .

In 2021, Day expanded her artistry into acting with a transformative portrayal of Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama and an Academy Award nomination. She also contributed to the film's soundtrack, which won the Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media .

Day's artistry is deeply influenced by icons like Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, and Amy Winehouse, whom she admires for their raw and authentic expressions. She once said, "My idols are singers like Billie Holiday and Erykah Badu because there's no gloss on what they do" . Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of self-expression and authenticity in her work, stating, "I always wanted to be a woman who isn't afraid to tell her story" .