Andra Day lost nearly 40 lbs to get into character as Billie Holiday for Hulu biopic - Daily Mail

Andra Day is already earning buzz for her upcoming feature debut in The United States vs Billie Holiday.

She lost nearly 40 pounds to get into character as Billie Holiday for the Lee Daniels-directed Hulu biopic, detailing her process to Leslie Odom Jr during Variety's Actors on Actors.

Physically daunting: Andra Day 'abused' her body and lost nearly 40 pounds to get into character as Billie Holiday for the Lee Daniels-directed Hulu biopic The United States vs Billie Holiday.

'Apparently, I exhausted the internet of Billie Holiday photos.

I went from 163 pounds to 124 pounds.

The Cheers to the Fall artist offers a haunting performance as she embodies Holiday in the first trailer for for The United States vs Billie Holiday, which premiered earlier this month.

Haunting performance: The Cheers to the Fall artist offers a haunting performance as she embodies Holiday in the first trailer for for The United States vs Billie Holiday, which premiered earlier this month .

Day stars alongside Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund and Natasha Lyonne in the film, which premieres February 26 on the streaming platform.

Although the long overdue story is a tragic one to behold, Day's performance is sure to captivate audiences and honor Billie Holiday like few can. .

I was hesitant, and I was like, "I don’t know if this is a good idea." .

She also credited Diana Ross' performance as Billie in the 1972 biopic: 'Also, I loved Lady Sings the Blues

Iconic role: She also credited Diana Ross' performance as Billie in the 1972 biopic: 'Also, I loved Lady Sings the Blues

Perfect tribute: Although the long overdue story is a tragic one to behold, Day's performance is sure to captivate audiences and honor Billie Holiday like few can

It was your character and your need for authenticity that I really enjoyed.'

Catch Andra Day in The United States vs Billie Holiday, which premieres February 26 on Hulu

Coming soon: Catch Andra Day in The United States vs Billie Holiday, which premieres February 26 on Hulu