Candiace Dillard Bassett, renowned for her stint on ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac,’ is being honored with the Magic Mic Award at Page Six’s inaugural VRT Awards for her achievements in music, and she will perform live at the event. This recognition highlights her successful transition from reality television to a burgeoning music career, underscoring her talent beyond the Bravo network.
Dillard Bassett first gained fame on RHOP, where she showcased her vocal abilities, leading to the release of her debut album ‘Deep Space’ in 2021. The album, featuring hits like ‘Drive Back,’ achieved significant success, reaching number four on iTunes and peaking at number 24 on Billboard’s Current R&B Albums chart. Her music has been praised for its quality and authenticity, setting her apart from other reality stars who dabble in singing.
The VRT Awards, hosted by ‘Virtual Reali-Tea’ co-hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real, are set for September 17, 2025, at City Winery in New York City. This event aims to celebrate reality TV personalities and their contributions to entertainment, with Dillard Bassett’s award focusing on her musical accomplishments. She will treat attendees to a live performance, expected to include songs from her discography.
Her music journey began in earnest during RHOP’s Season 6, where she documented the making of her ‘Drive Back’ video. Since then, she has expanded her repertoire, releasing a deluxe edition of ‘Deep Space’ in December 2022 and collaborating with artists such as Trina, Q Parker, and the late Traci Braxton. These collaborations have enriched her portfolio and demonstrated her versatility as an artist.
In March 2025, Dillard Bassett dropped her latest single, ‘How Do You Live?,’ an emotional mid-tempo track that has been well-received by fans and added to playlists. Beyond music, she is set to appear in the next season of Peacock’s Emmy-winning series ‘The Traitors,’ showcasing her diverse talents in the entertainment industry.
Other honorees at the VRT Awards include Alexia Nepola and Marysol Patton from ‘The Real Housewives of Miami,’ who will receive the Golden Kettle Award for their unique journey on the franchise, and Melissa Gorga from ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey,’ awarded the That’s Mother! Award for her inspiring reality TV ride. Voting for categories like Hot-Tea of the Year is open until August 27.
Dillard Bassett has expressed gratitude to Bravo for supporting her music and acting careers, providing a platform to share her artistic passions with a broader audience. This award not only celebrates her past achievements but also signals potential future projects and performances, cementing her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
The VRT Awards represent a growing trend of recognizing reality stars’ endeavors outside television, offering them opportunities to shine in new arenas. For Dillard Bassett, this honor is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft, promising an exciting chapter ahead in her career.