As The Young and the Restless continues to captivate fans with its ever-twisting storylines, one of its brightest stars is quietly embarking on a thrilling new creative chapter of her own. Cait Fairbanks, best known for her portrayal of the soulful and fiercely independent Tessa Porter, has revealed that she’s working on a brand-new music project—and it’s already sparking excitement among fans of both her acting and her music.

And here’s the twist that makes this news even more heartwarming: Fairbanks isn’t doing it alone. Her boyfriend, musician Jay Rudolph, is joining her on this venture. Together, the talented duo are crafting something deeply personal and musically daring—an album that promises to showcase a side of Cait we’ve never quite seen before.

From Genoa City to the Recording Studio

It’s no secret that Cait Fairbanks has always been more than just a daytime star. Before she became Tessa Porter—the aspiring musician who won hearts in Genoa City and made history with the soap’s first major same-sex marriage—Fairbanks was already a seasoned performer.

A natural-born artist, Cait began her journey on stage at just eight years old. By her teenage years, she had performed in over twenty theatrical productions and developed her skills as both an actress and singer-songwriter. Her haunting voice, paired with her emotionally nuanced performances, made her the perfect choice for the role of Tessa—a character whose passion for music mirrors her own.

But while fans have long enjoyed hearing Fairbanks’s songs woven into Y&R’s storylines, she’s now ready to step back into the spotlight as herself. In an exclusive update reported by Soap Opera Digest, Fairbanks revealed that she and Rudolph have been working tirelessly in the studio, shaping her next album—a project that’s been in development for quite some time.

A Labor of Love, Born from a Quiet Season

Every artist knows that inspiration doesn’t always strike during the busiest of times, and for Fairbanks, the recent industry slowdowns provided the perfect creative window. She shared that much of the recording process took place last year, during what she called “a pretty slow time in general.”

“I definitely had more time last year,” Cait explained. “That’s when Jay and I started working on the music together. It was a quiet period, so it gave me the space to focus creatively.”

The duo poured countless hours into writing, recording, and experimenting with new sounds. Though Fairbanks has yet to reveal specific details about the album’s style or themes, early hints suggest it will reflect her signature mix of introspective lyricism and melodic emotion—qualities that have defined her artistry since her earliest releases.

Still, producing music while maintaining a steady acting career is no easy feat. Fans of The Young and the Restless naturally wondered whether this new musical chapter meant Cait might be stepping away from Genoa City. Thankfully, Fairbanks quickly put those fears to rest.

Tessa’s Story Continues

“I’m not leaving Y&R,” Cait assured fans, making it clear that her heart still belongs to the world of daytime television. Her role as Tessa remains a cornerstone of the show, particularly as Tessa and her wife Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) continue navigating their journey as new parents to baby Aria.

Their story—filled with tenderness, challenges, and groundbreaking representation—has become one of the most beloved arcs in recent years. Viewers have watched Tessa evolve from a guarded street musician into a confident, compassionate partner and mother. That growth mirrors Cait’s own evolution as an artist.

However, Fairbanks did hint that she might take a brief hiatus later this year as she prepares to officially release her album. “I’m hoping to drop the album in early December,” she shared, noting that the timing holds special meaning. “That’s when my parents will be in Los Angeles, and I’d love for them to be here to celebrate it with me.”

A Name to Remember — Or Two

Fans who’ve followed Cait’s music career from the beginning will recall that she once released her songs under the stage name Janness—a pseudonym that allowed her to explore her artistry separate from her acting identity. But now, she’s rethinking how she wants to present her new body of work.

“I used to release music under the name Janness,” she reflected. “I liked having something separate from the show. But lately, I’ve been thinking that The Young and the Restless is such a big part of my life, and that’s how people know me. Maybe I’ll just release it under Cait Fairbanks this time.”

It’s a thoughtful decision that highlights the balance Fairbanks continues to strike between her television persona and her real-life artistry. By embracing both worlds, she’s forging a creative identity that feels more authentic than ever.

A Dual Talent in Her Element

Cait’s dedication to her craft—both on-screen and off—is part of what makes her such a rare talent. On The Young and the Restless, she’s known for bringing quiet power to her performances, often expressing as much through a single glance or song lyric as others might in an entire monologue. Off-screen, that same emotional intelligence translates into music that feels raw, honest, and deeply human.

Industry insiders say her upcoming album will reflect not only her personal growth but also her evolving partnership with Jay Rudolph. The couple’s creative chemistry, evident both in the studio and on social media, has fans eager to hear what they’ve been working on.

Producing an album is no small task—it requires long nights, experimentation, and the willingness to be vulnerable. Yet for Cait, that vulnerability is precisely where her art comes alive. Whether it’s through Tessa’s struggles with motherhood or the melancholic chords of a new song, Fairbanks has a way of turning emotion into connection.

Looking Ahead

With her album expected to debut in December, excitement is building. While she hasn’t announced an exact release date or title yet, Fairbanks’s fans are already rallying behind her. Her social media pages are flooded with messages of support, with many promising to stream, share, and celebrate her new music the moment it drops.

And for those worried about missing Tessa on Y&R, rest assured—Fairbanks’s future in Genoa City looks bright. Her music may take center stage for a while, but her ties to the show remain strong. If anything, her creative expansion could enrich her performance even further, adding new emotional depth to the character fans have come to adore.

As The Young and the Restless moves into its next phase—with shifting alliances, new romances, and the ever-present tension of the Newman and Abbott dynasties—Fairbanks stands as a symbol of artistic evolution. Like Tessa, she’s continually redefining what it means to follow your passion, no matter how many roles you play.

So when December rolls around, and Cait Fairbanks’s new music finally hits the airwaves, fans will be ready. Whether she releases it as Janness, Cait Fairbanks, or something entirely new, one thing is certain: it’s going to be something special—an intimate reflection of the woman who has already given so much of herself to the screen.

Until then, Genoa City can rest easy knowing that Tessa Porter isn’t going anywhere—but her alter ego, Cait Fairbanks, is ready to take the world by storm.

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The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Stay tuned for updates on Cait’s upcoming music release and all the latest from your favorite soap stars.