NEW YORK – Vanessa Williams is constantly breaking new ground.

In 1984, Williams made history as the first Black Miss America. Despite facing backlash over unauthorized nude photos published by Penthouse, she successfully transitioned into a celebrated career in television, music, and theater.

Now, she is venturing into entrepreneurship. Williams has independently released her first album in 15 years, titled “Survivor,” co-founded Black Theatre United to promote diversity in the arts, and made her Broadway producing debut with “A Wonderful World,” which will debut in Manhattan’s Studio 54 this November.

Williams describes her busy schedule, which includes portraying Miranda Priestly in the upcoming London West End musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada,” as keeping her “alive” and “excited.” She is especially thrilled about her collaboration with Elton John, who wrote songs for the musical.

“The goal is to eventually bring it to Broadway,” she mentions regarding the production. “The West End version differs from what anyone may have seen in Chicago. I’m really excited to show the audience its evolution. And I know Elton is thrilled as well.”

Reflecting on Miss America’s public apology

Forty years ago, Williams handed over her Miss America crown. At the end of her reign, unauthorized nude photos of her were published by Penthouse magazine. In 2016, while serving as the head judge for Miss America, she received a public apology from then-president Sam Haskell, acknowledging the organization’s mishandling of the incident. Williams initially hesitated to accept the apology, heeding her mother Helen’s advice.

“I had serious doubts,” Williams remembers. “The most significant factor was my mom, who had lived through the chaos surrounding my reign alongside me, my dad, and our family and community.

“Initially, my mom insisted, ‘Absolutely not,’” she adds. However, as her mother reconsidered, Williams engaged in further discussions with the Miss America Organization, leading to a unified understanding.

“When Sam (Haskell) made the public apology on stage, I could see his hands shaking as he prepared to speak,” Williams shares. “I sensed something significant was about to unfold. I was pleased for my mom to receive the acknowledgment and some closure, even if it was 30 years later. Yet, the painful memories remain.”

Williams’ new album carries a heartfelt tribute

Despite the challenges of being an independent artist, Williams experienced immense joy releasing her album “Survivor” in August.

“Creatively, it’s fantastic because I have the freedom to include whatever I like on the album and can say, ‘Let’s create a remix of this,’” she shares, referring to a remix of “Come Dance With Me” featured on the album. “I’m thrilled that listeners are enjoying it; they say, ‘Wow, there’s dance, Latin vibes, jazzy elements, and musical theater!’ That’s exactly the experience I aimed to create.”

One song on the album, “Here’s to You,” is especially meaningful for Williams.

“Kipper (Jones) texted me asking for a list of 10 people I lost during the AIDS crisis,” she recalls. “I shared my list, and when he sent it back, he said, ‘I just finished crying. I hope you like it.’”

As Williams and Jones reviewed the list, they discovered several mutual friends who had succumbed to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Los Angeles.

“(‘Here’s to You’) is a tribute to everyone we lost during the AIDS crisis,” she explains. “It’s an uplifting song to remind listeners that life is short; cherish the joyful moments, but also remember that those we lost live on in our hearts.”