Elisabeth Withers-Mendes

Elisabeth Withers-Mendes is a multi-talented performer with credits in Broadway, film, television, and music. Withers-Mendes made her Broadway debut in the 2005 production of The Color Purple, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. She played the role of Shug Avery, a blues singer who becomes a mentor and friend to the protagonist, Celie. Withers-Mendes has also had success as a recording artist. Her debut album, It Can Happen to Anyone, was released in 2007 and featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including will.i.am and John Legend. The album received critical acclaim and earned Withers-Mendes a Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the single "Be With You."