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Singer-songwriter-turned-award-winning actor Cassandra Monique Batie goes by Andra Day\u2014a stage name inspired by one of her biggest influences, Billie Holiday. It feels meant to be, then, that Andra\u2019s recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination are for her portrayal of the iconic musician in Hulu\u2019s \u201cThe United States vs. Billie Holiday,\u201d adapted for the screen by Suzan-Lori 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 Emmy\u2013nominated 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 Ross\u2014also as Billie Holiday in \u201cLady Sings the Blues\u201d). \u201cIt is okay that feelings will come up,\u201d she says to her fellow artists. \u201cShow up anyway in the midst of those feelings.\u201d Read more about \u201cThe United States vs. Billie Holiday\u201d here: https://bit.ly/31SdhRN\n\nStay tuned as always for handy audition tips from your Backstage casting insider! This episode is brought to you by UCLA\u2019s Professional Programs at the School of Theater, Film & Television: https://professionalprograms.tft.ucla.edu/\n---\nBackstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage\u2019s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today\u2019s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ\n\nFollow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media:\n- https://www.facebook.com/backstage\n- https://www.twitter.com/backstage\n- https://www.twitter.com/intheenvelope\n- https://www.instagram.com/backstagecast\n\nLooking to get cast? Subscribe here: www.backstage.com/subscribe\nBrowse Backstage casting listings: https://bit.ly/3mth68e\nCheck out our community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0\nBackstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5\n\nSpecial thanks to...\n- Host: Jack Smart\n- Producer: Jamie Muffett\n- Social media: Katie Minard, Alysa Cirelli\n- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins\n- Additional support: Christine McKenna-Tirella, Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis