Singer Chrisette Michele announces she has been diagnosed with severe autism.

Singer-songwriter Chrisette Michele has announced her recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, a revelation shared through her social media channels. The Grammy Award-winning artist, renowned for her hits such as “Blame It on Me,” “Epiphany,” and her collaboration with will.i.am on “Be OK,” addressed her condition candidly in an Instagram post.

Michele, who is 42 years old and hails from Long Island, expressed her emotions surrounding the diagnosis, stating that the use of the term “severely” was part of the clinical assessment she received. In her post, she reflected on the personal journey she has gone through, stating that her life and its myriad challenges have suddenly become clearer. She also indicated that while she is still coming to terms with this new aspect of her identity, she intends to share more about her experiences in the future.

Her career trajectory has been marked by both acclaim and controversy. Discovered at the Village Underground nightclub in Greenwich Village, Michele secured a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings through the influential music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid. She quickly emerged as one of the premier R&B artists of the late 2000s. However, her career faced significant setbacks after her decision to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in 2017. This performance led to widespread backlash, resulting in what many in the industry referred to as her “cancellation.”

In the wake of that controversy, Michele has focused on redefining her career. She has not released a studio album since her 2018 project “Out of Control,” but has taken steps to establish her own record label and explore other creative outlets. She has shared free poetry online and has been performing at smaller venues across the country, connecting intimately with her audience. Additionally, Michele hosts a podcast that bears her name, which further allows her to engage with fans and discuss her life and career.

As Michele navigates this new chapter in her life, her openness about her autism diagnosis marks a significant moment in her ongoing journey both personally and professionally.