Ledisi is beginning to get the exposure she deserves:; July 4th weekend she performed at the Essence Music Festival and is featured in the latest issue of the magazine. Aside from talking about getting accustomed to the whole red carpet thing and her new found love of four-inch heels, Ledisi spoke about auditioning for the role of Effie in Dreamgirls.

First we get into George Clooney and the Leatherheads connection..

Congrats on your film role in Leatherheads.

Word on the street is George Clooney handpicked you to play a 1920s blues singer?

“Yes! The funny thing is, I had no idea that I was called in for a film with George Clooney. I auditioned for Dreamgirls, as the role of Effie—shout out to Jennifer Hudson, who was phenomenal—and the casting director told someone that they should have me come down for an audition. So I went and sang a couple of songs without knowing what it was for. George had been trying to cast that part for a year. I couldn’t believe it, and when I finally got on set, he talked to me like he knew me forever. He was so cool and calls me “Led.” In the beginning he pronounced my name “Lee-dee-see (laughs).”

It’s funny how things work out. Were you upset you didn’t get Dreamgirls?

“I auditioned for Effie probably four or five times in New York and Los Angeles. I even made it to the screen test. I poured my heart out. I know Jennifer, and I went to the premiere and Jennifer was sitting behind me. I said, “You bettah sang!” And she really did shut it down. I was glad Jennifer got it.”

Read the rest at “Ledisi: The Soul Singer”

There is a late mention in the interview about “Alright”.. that’s the song that brought her to my attention.

Reposted here for convenience.

Ledisi “Alright”