Featuring Lisa Marie Simmons | Co-Written with Grammy-Nominated Songwriter Jeff Franzel

– Acclaimed vocalist and genre-defying artist Marie-Claire Giraud unveils her deeply personal new single, “BLU X,” a moving collaboration written with Grammy-nominated songwriter Jeff Franzel and featuring acclaimed vocalist Lisa Marie Simmons. The single serves as a powerful preview of Marie-Claire’s forthcoming album, MY BIG BOLD & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOR FANTASY, a project that celebrates resilience, transformation, and the courage to reclaim one’s voice.

“BLU X” is far more than a song—it’s a testament to survival.

Inspired by Marie-Claire’s own experience of enduring ten years of childhood sexual abuse, the single reflects an emotional journey from unimaginable pain to healing, empowerment, and hope. Through vulnerable lyrics and an unforgettable vocal performance, Marie-Claire transforms personal trauma into a message of strength for others who may be facing similar struggles.

“My hope is that this song becomes a source of healing,” says Marie-Claire. “If sharing my story helps even one person find the courage to seek help, to keep going, or to believe that healing is possible, then this song has fulfilled its purpose.”

Featuring the soulful vocals of Lisa Marie Simmons, “BLU X” delivers an emotionally rich musical experience that blends intimacy with strength. Together, the artists create a heartfelt anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys toward recovery and resilience.

Marie-Claire Giraud has built an extraordinary career by refusing to be confined by genre. A true Renaissance musician, she is known for creating HipHopera, her groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop rhythms and operatic vocal artistry. Her rich contralto voice effortlessly moves through jazz, reggae, classical, and contemporary music, creating a signature sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Her remarkable versatility has led to collaborations with reggae legend Spragga Benz on “Rastaman Chant” and hip-hop artist Rob $tone on RCA/Sony’s Out of the Comfort Zone series. Her reggae-inspired EP Dreamland further showcased her artistic range, while her interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions have earned widespread praise.

Marie-Claire’s artistry has also inspired some of music’s most celebrated creators. Jamaican music icon Bob Andy wrote the song “Constellation” specifically for her, while Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison composed a four-song cycle tailored to her extraordinary voice, with Marie-Claire contributing original lyrics and melodies.

Raised in the Bronx with Caribbean roots from Dominica, Marie-Claire has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the United Nations, Barclays Center, where she performed the U.S. National Anthem, and Central Park SummerStage. International audiences have embraced her performances at the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Cartagena Jazz Festival, and Creole in the Park in Dominica.

She has also captivated audiences in legendary venues including Preservation Hall in New Orleans alongside the Preservation Hall All-Stars, Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., Smalls Jazz Club, Joe’s Pub, and Omar’s in New York City.

With “BLU X,” Marie-Claire Giraud offers one of her most courageous artistic statements to date. The single embodies the emotional depth, fearlessness, and musical innovation that define her career while reminding listeners that healing is possible, even after life’s darkest chapters.

As anticipation builds for MY BIG BOLD & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOR FANTASY, “BLU X” stands as an inspiring anthem for survivors everywhere—proving that vulnerability can become strength, pain can become purpose, and music can become a powerful force for healing.