(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is excited to announce that New Jersey's own Wé Ani, who became this year's season American Idol finalist, will perform her new single, "Mr. Montgomery" along with belting out other popular songs on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7:00pm in Prudential Hall opening up for R&B songstress, Monica.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Wé Ani who grew up in Paterson, N.J. perform live – this 23-year-old is a budding star with a powerful voice and charisma to burn with her thousand-watt smile.

A once-in-a-generation talent, Wé Ani often compared to her influences Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston will bring audiences back to an era of Hollywood movie glamour. Still, her style and presentation could be compared to Billie Eilish, a cool, confident, edgy tomboy.

This innovative jazz vocalist, pop singer, and gifted songwriter has brought memorable performances to global audiences: Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., New York, Miami, and Atlanta stateside; internationally to countries including Amsterdam, and most uniquely Rwanda with the Christian humanitarian agency World Vision, whose mission is to provide clean water to every person everywhere they work by 2030. She performed at high-profile events, like The Trumpet Awards in 2018, at legendary venues like The New York Philharmonic, and even played Young Ella in the Celebration of Ella Fitzgerald.

Tickets to see Monica and Wé Ani range from $41.50- $131.50 Reserve tickets early by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

Singing since the tender age of 12, Wé Ani’s star-making turn during her show-stopping blind audition on the hit NBC TV show The Voice drew worldwide attention in 2016. Wé Ani is, undeniably, a rising star that will open up for R&B sensation Monica. Monica first rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits like "Don't Take It Personal" and "Before You Walk Out of My Life." Since then, she has continued to release chart-topping albums and singles, earning her multiple awards and accolades.

Monica first rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits like "Don't Take It Personal" and "Before You Walk Out of My Life." Since then, she has continued to release chart-topping albums and singles, earning her multiple awards and accolades. Wé McDonald will open the night.

She owned the Billboard charts in the '90s and '00s with hit after hit: "The Boy Is Mine," "Angel of Mine," "So Gone," "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)," "The First Night" and "For You I Will." She's the soundtrack of our lives, a multi-platinum GRAMMY® winner, an artist, a legend, a goddess—we could go on and on, but you already know! With soulful new music and a flawless voice, Monica is genuinely in her queen era—experience R&B royalty at her finest.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.