Mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges' career blossomed after several strong showings at international competitions and after earning major awards in the U.S. Her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Philip Glass' Akhnaten was recorded and won the Grammy Award in 2022. This lauded run at the Met, as well as several other major American opera house appearances, boosted Bridges' image beyond the opera sphere as the singer took part in several campaigns and discussions concerning race and inclusion in the classical and operatic worlds. In 2022, Bridges performed in the premiere of Adolphus Hailstork's cantata A Knee on the Neck, written in tribute to George Floyd, and she was heard on the Grammy-nominated album Shawn E. Okpebholo: Lord, How Come Me Here? with baritone Will Liverman and pianist Paul Sánchez.