She’s baaack! Between juggling child bottles, Billboard charts, and backstage beams, Candiace Dillard Bassett is telling BOSSIP about surviving The Traitors, her “I’ve Cried the Blues” debut, and reconnecting with the Grand Dame Karen Huger after her headline-making launch.
Supply: Charles Sykes/Bravo
In only one 12 months, the Actual Housewives Of Potomac alum has welcomed her son, Jett (who’s already celebrating his first birthday), signed a brand new music cope with UnitedMasters, dropped her single “How Do You Reside?,” prepped a vacation report, booked an anniversary live performance for her debut Deep House, and stepped onstage for the D.C. musical revival of “I’ve Cried The Blues.”
Supply: Courtesy Of Humble Hill PR
This new tackle the play, written by her Howard College classmate Dennis Williams, unfolds within the Jim Crow South by way of the lens of resilience, religion, and survival. Bassett stars as Miss Lilly, an bold nightclub singer in Arkansas chasing her shot at turning into the one feminine headliner on the King Biscuit Occasions.
“She is resilient, scrappy, and savvy,” Bassett informed BOSSIP. “Her dream is to sing, and she or he’s keen to do no matter it takes. That rings very true to me personally as a singer and performer.”
For her, the story doubles as cultural testimony.
“All of us have grandparents or kin who lived by way of these occasions,” she mirrored to Managing Editor Dani Canada. “This play appears like a household reunion; a reminder of how far we’ve come, but additionally how far we’ve to go.”
The function marks a profession first, but additionally a private milestone.
“To step into this sort of function now, as a brand new mother, appears like proof to myself that I can do each; be absolutely current as Jett’s mom and nonetheless accomplish the creative targets I’ve set for myself.”
Motherhood has demanded new self-discipline.
“I’m dwelling with him [Jett] more often than not,” she defined. “So once I go away for a efficiency or a recording session, I’m ensuring Chris [Bassett] has every part he wants, the babysitter is lined up, and my mother — who flies in from Georgia each month — is on name. Parenthood was by no means meant to be completed alone. It actually does take a village.”
That balancing act is taking part in out in her music, too. Bassett calls her subsequent mission “intentional, clear, and creatively free,” whereas her upcoming vacation single channels her love of custom with an R&B polish.
“It’s a joyful report,” she stated. “I wished to create one thing that feels timeless however nonetheless me.”
Candiace Dillard Bassett Talks First Full Efficiency Since Changing into A Mother, The Traitors
Final week, Bassett returned to the stage atWeb page Six’s inaugural VRT Awards, the place she obtained the Magic Mic Award and sizzled the stage, drawing thunderous applause.
The occasion introduced out a few of actuality TV’s brightest stars, from #RHOM’s Alexia Nepola and Marysol Patton to #RHONJ’s Melissa and Joe Gorga, #RHOA’s Phaedra Parks, Vanderpump Guidelines alum Scheana Shay, and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives standout Jessi Ngatikaura.
Amid the pink carpet, Cadillac-sponsored fanfare, and Golden Kettle awards, Bassett’s set of her greatest hits proved to be one of many night’s show-stopping moments.
“It was a second of reality,” she stated. “My first full efficiency since giving delivery. To get on that stage, knees oiled, dairy reduce, all of the singer issues — it was about proving to myself that I nonetheless have it.”
Almost 5 years after her debut, Deep House, Bassett can also be making ready for an anniversary live performance in Washington, D.C., that may be a true testomony to her evolution.
“I’ve advanced as an artist and as an individual,” she stated. “I’m extra fearless now, extra keen to lean into my perspective and inform my reality.”
And if balancing motherhood, music, and theater weren’t sufficient, Bassett is heading to the Scottish Highlands for Season 4 of NBC’s The Traitors.
“I used to be nervous — my ministry just isn’t exterior,” she stated, laughing. “We’re speaking castles, bales of hay, mud all over the place. You’re chilly, you’re drained, and also you don’t know who to belief.”
She describes the expertise as “paranoia meets technique meets survival.” From the second she arrived at Ardross Fort, Bassett was plunged right into a recreation of secrets and techniques and suspicion.
“It’s psychological warfare,” she stated. “Each time you sit down for breakfast, you’re trying round like, ‘Who needs me gone?’ It forces you to learn physique language in a manner I by no means had earlier than. You’re second-guessing smiles, side-eyes, even the way in which somebody takes a sip of tea.”
For Bassett, the toughest half wasn’t the bodily challenges however the emotional toll.
“You construct friendships, you bond in these actually intense moments, and then you definately marvel if it’s all a lie,” she informed BOSSIP. I cried, I laughed, I cursed a couple of individuals out,” she admitted. “But it surely pushed me out of my consolation zone in the easiest way. You actually do discover out what you’re product of.”
And whereas she received’t spoil outcomes, Bassett guarantees the drama can be price it.
“Viewers are going to see me susceptible, strategic, and possibly a bit of petty,” she teased. “I didn’t maintain again.”
Candiace Dillard Bassett Talks #RHOP Reconnecting With Karen Huger
Bassett is equally effusive about supporting her shut good friend, The Grand Dame Karen Huger, whose launch from jail has been a second of reduction and pleasure for #RHOP followers and Candiace alike.
Supply: Shannon Finney / Getty
“I’ve spoken to her, and she or he’s doing nicely,” Bassett informed BOSSIP. “She’s clearly specializing in her household. As a lot as I used to be beside myself for Karen, I used to be virtually extra frightened for her kids. I do know Brandon, I do know Rayvin, and I’ve a mother I really like past all comprehension. I couldn’t think about sitting understanding that my mom was in jail. It’s incomprehensible. I used to be actually in prayer for her children. So I’m so joyful they’ve their mother again, whatever the circumstances.”
She added,
“She served her time, and she or he was launched early — which is an efficient factor. I’m glad she’ll be dwelling for the vacations, capable of recoup and rediscover herself. I heard Bravo cameras had been rolling, so hopefully the general public will get to see her launch documented. She appeared nicely once I spoke to her. We talked about motherhood and youngsters. I’m simply so joyful she’s dwelling and protected.”
If it appears like quite a bit, it’s, however this Potomac princess, who followers hope will return to Bravo, has by no means been afraid of doing all of it. From actuality TV to R&B charts to the theater stage to surviving the Scottish Highlands, she informed BOSSIP she’s carving a path outlined by artistry, resilience, and reinvention.
“Motherhood, music, performing; it’s all related,” she stated. “It’s about proving to your self that you could maintain all of it, even when it feels unattainable. And nonetheless sing.”
Supply: Courtesy Of Humble Hill PR / Courtesy Of Humble Hill PR
![Brian Jordan Jr. “STRUT” Premiere [Exclusive]](https://i0.wp.com/bossip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/17588912338876.jpeg?quality=80&strip=all&crop=0px%2C1005px%2C4160px%2C2375px&resize=1680%2C960&w=768&resize=768,0&ssl=1 "Brian Jordan Jr. “STRUT” Premiere [Exclusive]")
