How Andra Day Became Billie Holiday In The Envelope: The Actors Podcast

Singersongwriterturnedawardwinning actor Cassandra Monique Batie goes by Andra Daya stage name inspired by one of her biggest influences, Billie Holiday. It feels meant to be, then, that Andras recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination are for her portrayal of the iconic musician in Hulus The United States vs. Billie Holiday, adapted for the screen by SuzanLori Parks and directed by Lee Daniels. From singing and dancing as a child in San Diego to being discovered by Stevie Wonder and collaborating with Spike Lee and Common, the Grammy and Daytime Emmynominated Andra has now joined the ranks of musical leading ladies with Academy Award nods for their feature film debuts (including Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, and Diana Rossalso as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues). It is okay that feelings will come up, she says to her fellow artists. Show up anyway in the midst of those feelings. Read more about The United States vs. Billie Holiday here: Stay tun