Won a 2000 Tony Award for Best Performance By a Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in "Aida". Released her debut album in 2002, "This is who I am". Moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana at age 15. As a student in university, she performed at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, in "Dreamgirls" and "The World Goes Round". Is of Trinidadian descent.
Attended Northwestern University. Won Broadway's 2000 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for playing the title role in Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida." Became engaged to former New York Jets star Brian Musso [January 2003] Nominated for 2 Grammys, including one for Best New Artist (2004)