Mezzo-soprano opera singer J'Nai Bridges is making a triumphant return to her hometown of Seattle for her official, fully staged operatic debut with Seattle Opera in the title role of Carmen. She recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss her path back home. 

Having performed the iconic role in roughly 15 productions and over 100 shows globally, Bridges shared that it feels "especially poignant and gratifying to come home" to the Emerald City. She said she approaches her career with a strong sense of purpose and self-assurance, refusing to apologize for her identity. "I am who I am—which is Black,” she said, seeing herself as following in the footsteps of Black operatic greats that have paved the way. 

The Seattle Opera production of Carmen featuring J'Nai Bridges runs on the following select dates: May 3rd at 2 p.m., May 9th at 7:30 p.m., May 13th at 7:30 p.m., and May 17th at 2 p.m. at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall. Get your tickets to Carmen at seattleopera.org.

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