Backstage during this year's epic We Can Survive concert, our Opening Act winner Izza got a chance to talk with host Bru about the experience and what advice the singer has for next year's competition contenders.
LISTEN NOW: Izza talks with Bru at We Can Survive 2023
After triumphing over 15,000 artists from across the country, Izza's WCS debut went off like fireworks, opening the night for Maroon 5, OneRepublic, Kelly Clarkson, and David Kushner at Audacy's We Can Survive 2023 -- held at New Jersey's Prudential Center on October 14.
Speaking with Audacy’s Bru in the Hard Rock Artist Lounge just after taking the stage -- singer, producer, and avowed mental health advocate, Izza, told us they were thrilled to be a part of the show by bringing their high-energy dance music to new faces. "I just love to make people happy," Izza says. "And bring the party!"
"I'm so thankful that everyone voted for me, and I'm able to be here -- it was a long process but totally worth it," the Los Angeles native adds. "I can't be any happier than I am."
After welcoming this year's Opening Act to the stage, Bru said he could feel the anticipation from the energetic crowd, and Izza felt it as well. "So many people showed up to my set, which I was so surprised and grateful. The crowd was super high-energy... They were waving to me and I was waving back," Izza says, beaming. "I just had the best time. It was my first time performing in an arena... It was so big, and I just felt like I was bringing the energy, dancing all around and having a good time."
"I'm here because I wanted to support mental health -- that's how I found out about the 'Opening Act,'" Izza says, offering some sage advice for any artists looking to take part in next year's competition. "I think having music that supports whatever you're trying to say really helps because a lot of the songs I create are about my struggles with mental health and depression. I use that as kind of my main core values in music, so I think that really helped me get votes and gain an audience because people could relate to the cause, and my music was intertwined with that."
Keep an eye out for more live dates, and a brand new Christmas song on the horizon from Izza. "I did it last year and everyone really liked that," Izza admits. "So, I was like, 'Let's do it again. Let's run it back!'" Follow @izzarose on Instagram for more.
Watch Bru's full chat where he presents the giant $10,000 Opening Act prize check, and see some footage from Izza's set above. Plus, check out even more backstage conversations from Audacy's We Can Survive 2023, with Maroon 5, OneRepublic, Kelly Clarkson, and David Kushner.