Atlanta-based Christian R&B artist and 2026 NAACP Image Award nominee Lee Vasi is ushering in a bold new chapter with her latest single, "Worthy." Following the breakout success of her debut album Love Me To Life, Lee returns with a soulful, faith-rooted anthem that blends emotional honesty with spiritual conviction. Known for bridging contemporary R&B with gospel depth, the former American Idol standout continues to carve out a culturally resonant lane - one where vulnerability meets strength, and where identity is grounded not in validation from others, but in the unwavering love of God.
Q: You've grown from a Broadway performer and American Idol alum into a confident R&B artist with a distinct voice and message. How would you describe who Lee Vasi is today - both as an artist and as a woman?
I feel more free than ever as an artist, and as a woman I'm the softest - yet strongest - version of myself that I've met yet. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and my new music is more vulnerable than ever. As I'm learning myself more, I'm starting to embrace that balance of soft strength, and that's really what I'm pouring into the music.
Q: "Worthy" feels like a declaration - not just a song. What personal experiences or turning points inspired you to write this record, and what does worthiness mean to you in this season of your life?
'Worthy' definitely is a declaration. It came from personal experiences where I accepted less than I deserved - in relationships, in how I was treated, even in how I saw myself. Writing this record was an intentional reflection and a reminder to that girl I once was who didn't know her worth - and now I've really found my worth and my value in who God tells me I am.
In this season of my life, worthiness means no longer negotiating my standards to keep something that isn't meant for me. It means understanding that love shouldn't cost me my peace. It means knowing that who I am - without overperforming, overgiving, or overproving - is already enough.
Q: Your music beautifully blends soulful R&B with gospel-rooted depth. How do you intentionally navigate bringing faith and spirituality into mainstream spaces without compromising authenticity?
I really don't know how to be anyone other than who I am, and my music is a reflection of everything I've been through and am going through. Anywhere I go, I bring a lifetime of experiences with me, and my experience with my faith just so happens to be something I bring. When I write, I can only be fully authentic - anything less doesn't feel right and actually makes me unwell. I love R&B, I've found healing through my faith, and the two just flow together when I create. It's beautiful to see how my music can live in so many spaces culturally, and for me, it's a cool reminder of how alike we all are in our human experience.
Q: You're a 2026 NAACP Image Award nominee for Best New Artist. What did that recognition mean to you personally - especially as a Black woman carving out space in contemporary R&B?
Oh my gosh, so meaningful! This was my first nomination of my career and such a huge honor! As a Black woman, I've always been aware of the importance of the NAACP for our community, and getting that recognition definitely made me feel seen. I've been working really hard for a long time, and it's been such a journey to find my voice and figure out how I want to share my truths as a creative, so it definitely felt like confirmation that - maybe I'm doing a few things right.
Q: From signing with Capitol CMG/Tamla to being named an Amazon Music Artist to Watch, your career has accelerated quickly. How have you stayed grounded while stepping into these bigger platforms?
My faith, my family, and my community. Also my dog! With all these amazing things happening in my career, the most important parts of my life are my relationship with God and the people around me. I feel so blessed to be able to share the ups and downs with people who truly care about me and have my back, no matter where I am in my career. It really has been such an exciting season, and I'm so humbled by the ways I've been able to grow in such a short time.
Q: With "Worthy" setting the tone for what feels like a new, aligned era, what can listeners expect next from you creatively - and what legacy are you hoping to build through your music?
Creatively, listeners can expect me to get really up close and personal this year. I'm going to share the stories that shaped who I am today - unfiltered. Worthy is the first release in this chapter of my music, where I dive into experiences like toxic relationships, feeling lost, struggles with my mental health, and the moments I first got curious about God. I want to make music that the old me needed to hear.
As for legacy, I'm still figuring that out, but ultimately I want my music to point people to God and show that healing really is possible. I hope that through my stories, someone else can find hope, joy, and peace on the other side of their own pain.
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