We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacy Francis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacy, what do you want people to remember about you?

I am a singer who grew up singing in church. I’m a preacher’s kid. For a long time, I operated in my faith, and that’s why I experienced great success during my upbringing. I truly believe that my faith in Jesus Christ played a pivotal role in my journey. It led me to my first theater show at the age of 16, secured my first record deal at 18, and resulted in two albums released by Warner Brothers Records. I traveled the world, sharing my voice with audiences.

But there came a time when I lost faith. I distinctly remember the disappointments when those albums didn’t meet my expectations. While we did achieve a Billboard top 3 ranking and had our music played on the radio, behind the scenes, we struggled financially, feeling lost and directionless. Doubts about my faith and my choice to pursue R&B music began to haunt me.

I’ll never forget Grammy award-winning singer CECE WINANS, who, during our collaboration in a musical I starred in, asked me, “Why are you running from your call?” I think I felt too imperfect to minister to others and too inexperienced. I found myself chasing something else, and eventually, my music group disbanded.

In response, I turned to prayer and found a new path, booking Broadway shows. I remember booking three in a single year, which kept me employed for years, but an emptiness still lingered within me. I made a significant decision to leave the industry for 12 years. I started a family and pursued different aspirations.

Then, one day, I became a finalist on the X FACTOR, and overnight, the world knew my name. Simon Cowell, a respected figure in the industry, stood up for me and declared, “That was one of the best auditions I have ever heard in my life.” It felt like I had finally arrived.

Now, to the heart of the matter: I want my legacy to reflect that I am a remarkable singer. When I sing, I have the power to move people, even if just for 3-4 minutes, offering them a brief escape from their troubles. I hope people will remember me as someone who, despite facing apparent career setbacks, persevered and never gave up. I want to inspire others to believe in their goals and remind them that they too can achieve their dreams.

I think the pain I’ve experienced in life comes out in my music, and many people can relate to it. Through my songs, they can connect with the emotions I’ve poured into my music and find solace in knowing that they’re not alone in their struggles. Moreover, I hope my journey serves as an inspiration to others. My resilience in the face of adversity is a testament that, no matter the challenges one faces, with unwavering determination and belief in oneself, it’s possible to overcome and thrive. My legacy is not just about my vocal talent but also about the profound impact my story and music have had on people’s lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Certainly, I’d be happy to share more about my journey and what sets me apart:

What sets me apart from others in my field is my ability to weather the storms of life and emerge with a renewed perspective. I’ve maintained my focus and determination without turning to drugs or abusing alcohol, which is a significant achievement considering the trauma I’ve experienced. It’s not easy to maintain mental resilience when facing adversity, but I’ve managed to do so.

My professional journey to where I am today has been far from easy. I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges and setbacks along the way. One of the key factors that helped me overcome these obstacles was having supportive individuals like Alex in my life. His acceptance of my flaws and his gentle guidance during difficult times played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth.

I’ve also learned the importance of taking full responsibility for my mistakes. This can be especially challenging, especially when one has faced public humiliations or comes from a broken background. However, it’s a crucial step in the journey of self-improvement and growth.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story today is that giving up is never an option. Sometimes, it’s necessary to restructure your dreams, rebuild your brand, or invest more in honing your craft. It’s essential to be open to looking at things from a different perspective to achieve different results. Adapting to the times and not getting stuck in a specific era is another lesson I’ve learned, and it can be particularly challenging for artists of my age group.

In essence, my story is one of resilience, growth, and adaptability. It’s a testament to the idea that with determination, a willingness to learn, and a positive outlook, you can overcome adversity and continue pursuing your dreams, no matter how challenging the journey may be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I adore South Beach; it’s a fantastic place. Enjoying some sun while indulging in people-watching is absolutely stunning, especially during the summer season. However, what really captivates me about Miami is the perpetual vibrancy of its streets.

Walking down Ocean Drive is an absolute delight. It’s renowned as one of the world’s most iconic streets, celebrated for its Art Deco architecture, pristine white sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing turquoise waters. The street is perpetually bustling with beautiful people and offers a delightful array of delectable food options.

Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the VIP treatment at the Versace Mansion restaurant, and it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. The culinary delights at Forte Dei Marmi left a lasting impression, and I must say, nothing quite compares to the heavenly indulgence of fried Oreo cookies at the 112 Steak House.

I also enjoyed brunch at the Perez Museum and visiting the Wynwood art district.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, there are several individuals and groups who have played pivotal roles in my journey, and I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to them:

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ken and Vy Higginsen. They are the brilliant producers behind the first show I ever starred in, “Mama I Want to Sing.” Their belief in my talent and their mentorship opened doors for me at a remarkably young age. Thanks to them, I had the incredible opportunity to explore Europe as a teenager, performing in places like Italy, Greece, and Istanbul, Turkey. I even graced the stage in the West End and recorded with EMI records. Starring alongside Chaka Khan. This led me to even recording with Prince. The experiences they provided were transformative, shaping not only my career but also the person I’ve become. Their ongoing work with inner-city teenagers in New York City is truly admirable, as they continue to inspire and uplift young talents just as they did for me.

Next, I want to extend a shoutout to Simon Cowell. His belief in my abilities and his decision to showcase my talent on television through the X FACTOR opened doors that I had only dreamed of. His support and recognition were instrumental in propelling my career to new heights, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

Last but certainly not least, I’d like to give a special shoutout to my amazing partner, Alex Righetto. His unwavering support and inspiration have been a driving force in my life. He reminds me every day to keep pushing forward, and his love has been a constant source of motivation and strength. My daughter Anastacia and my son Donovan are also worthy of a shout out I love them immensely.

In truth, there are countless others who have contributed to my journey, for example I have a very talented friend named Richard Hartley who recently performed with his group in Italy. I have known him since I was 16 years old. He is quite an inspiration. To this day he and I have remained friends and he has no idea how much he inspires me to keep going. Super talented guy. I truly appreciate each and every one of the people I have been able to watch and learn from. . It’s a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and love in shaping our paths to success.

Website: www.stacy-francis.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamstacyfrancis

Twitter: www.twitter.com/stacyfrancis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StacyFrancissings

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialStacyFrancis

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