John Legend is set to open the 34th annual FN Achievement Awards on Tuesday night (Dec. 8), and will also appear in a powerful segment on social justice, a topic he’s particularly passionate about.
In a new Billboard exclusive video hyping up the event, the singer shares the relief of dressing up amid a year mostly spent at home. “Even when you’re in a meeting, a Zoom meeting, you might dress up your upper half but, let’s be honest, you probably have shorts on underneath,” he shares in the clip. “It feels nice when we occasionally get to dress up during this time because so often, we’ve just been in our house clothes.”
Cardi B will be named Style Influencer of the Year at the virtual show, which honors people and brands that set new standards within the shoe industry over the course of the past year. The honor follows the rapper’s collaboration with Reebok, which she announced on her birthday in October.
“I’ve always been into fashion. Back then, I couldn’t afford what I wanted, now I can. It’s easier and I have more connections with brands,” Cardi told FN. “I could wear the most uncomfortable shoe and I’m just going to take it and love it because it’s fashion, it’s beauty, it’s amazing, it’s different. I get bored, so that’s when me and my stylist [Kollin Carter], we get creative and come up with something new and amazing.”
Nike Dunk, Amina Muaddi, FENTY, Aurora James, Salehe Bembury, New Balance, Birkenstock and more will also be honored at the event.
“It goes without saying that 2020 was a year that brought epic and intimidating challenges. While there were points along the way that seemed impossible to celebrate, our winners list proves the power of resilience and the ability to triumph over incredible odds,” said Michael Atmore, editorial director of FN and chief brand officer of Fairchild Media, in a statement. “Diverse, inclusive and forward-thinking, each winner is a powerful lesson in leadership.”
Catch the event, sponsored by The Style Room powered by Zappos and FDRA, here on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. ET.
