Andra Day‘s enchanting alto echoed throughout New York City’s Pier 36 when the Billboard Women In Music Powerhouse honoree took the stage for an emotional performance of her breakout ballad “Rise Up” alongside the Boys and Girls Club children’s choir of Harlem.
Accepting the honor at Billboard‘s Women in Music ceremony on Friday (Dec. 9), the San Diego native — dressed in a multi-colored gown with her signature voluminous hair ‘do and red pucker — thanked Billboard, her team and “the men who support women.” Before launching into her power ballad, she offered, “It’s healing and encouraging and inspiring because I believe music in its purest form is a vessel of healing.”
The Women In Music trophy adds on to Day’s list of accolades, which includes performing at the National Tree Lighting Ceremony for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (she performed at the White House four times) as well as hosting sold out shows across the United States, Japan, Korea and Western Europe.
Her debut Cheers To The Fall toasted to No. 3 on the R&B Albums chart while “Rise Up” soared to No. 6 on the Adult R&B Songs chart. Idina Menzel presented her with the award, revealing she was “a big fan” of Andra Day.
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Andra Day serves as one of several 2016 Women in Music honorees, headlined by “Woman of the Year” recipient Madonna and “Icon” Shania Twain. Other honorees this year are Halsey (“Rising Star”), Meghan Trainor (“Chart Topper”), Maren Morris (“Breakthrough Star”), Kesha (“Trailblazer”) and Alessia Cara (“Rule Breaker”).
Catch Andra Day’s performance and other stunning moments from Billboard’s Women In Music special Dec. 12 on Lifetime at 9PM ET.
