REXBURG — The Power to Become Conference is happening tonight on the campus of BYU-Idaho. There will be several speakers and performances, but one stands out from the rest.
Adassa, most recently known for her role as DOlores in Disney’s “Encanto” and as the voice behind the hit song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from the film, will speak and perform as part of the conference. In a career that has spanned close to 20 years, Adassa has accomplished much. She has released several albums including “Kamasutra” and “Adassa.” However, she says all of that success still left something to be desired. That is, until she found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I was raised Seventh Day Adventist, and I grew up with a love and a recognition of Jesus Christ and our Savior,” Adassa said. “But once I met my husband and I learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I knew, wow, these are the principles that I want governing my life, and this is what I want as my goal for eternity.”
Adassa was on tour at the time she decided to learn from the missionaries. As a result, she says she went through four companionships. That did not stop her. She was baptized a member of the Church, several years ago, on Halloween.
Adassa says once she made the decision to be baptized, it helped her to stay grounded in an industry that can prove difficult for people of faith.
“I would say that the stronger my testimony, the less that I fear the sharks, because this industry is like swimming in an ocean filled with sharks,” Adassa said. “But when you really take a look at it and really go with your testimony, what you recognize is, ‘Hey, they can't do anything to me because I'm filled with the power of God.’”
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring performers, Adassa said the key is to decide now.
“Because performing has two areas in which you could go, you have to understand that saying no to this doesn't mean saying no to your career,” Adassa said. “You can still have your principles. You can still be a person of faith and still get those same things you wanted just without the risk of losing your integrity.”
No matter where her career and life take her, Adassa holds tight to her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“I'm so excited to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Adassa. “I really find joy in knowing that even though I don't know everything, I trust, because the biggest thing that you need to have is faith and trust that you are being led by an almighty Father that knows you deeper than you could ever imagine.”
The Power to Become Conference is at 7 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium. The doors open at 6 p.m. To learn more about the conference, visit www.byui.edu/p2b.
Adassa will also perform at A BYU-Idaho Christmas concert on Saturday, December 2. Tickets are available here.
You can also listen to her new album called “In Jesus We Are One” from Deseret Book on all streaming platforms or buy the CD here.