Amanda Gorman is featured on the cover ofVogue 's May 2021 magazine.- She told the publication she's rejected over $17 million in
sponsorships since January. - Gorman said finding partnerships that align with her values are more important to her than money.
Amanda Gorman has had a whirlwind year so far - and it's only April.
The poet - who notably spoke at President Joe Biden's inauguration in January - is the cover star of Vogue's May issue. In her interview with Doreen St. Félix for the publication, she detailed everything from her preparation for the big day, which included advice from Oprah Winfrey, to her fashion preferences.
The 23-year-old also revealed that after reading "The Hill We Climb" on January 20, she's turned down more than $17 million in sponsorship deals.
"I didn't really look at the details, because if you see something and it says a million dollars, you're going to rationalize why that makes sense," Gorman told Vogue about one brand offer.
Gorman also shared an anecdote with Vogue about a time that she says an organization asked her to remove a line about Dreamers, or protected immigrant youths, from a poem she had written. She didn't comply entirely. As Vogue reported, she instead rearranged certain words to create a sound similar to "DACA."
"I have to be conscious of taking commissions that speak to me," Gorman said.
According to the young poet, she often receives advice from other public figures, like Winfrey.
"Every time I text Oprah, I have a mini-heart attack," she said.
Gorman shared a preview of her Vogue feature on Wednesday via Instagram and noted that she's the "first poet ever" to be featured on the magazine's cover.
"I am eternally grateful & do not expect to be the last - for what is poetry if not
She also thanked those who worked with her on the magazine feature, including photographer Annie Leibovitz and designer Virgil Abloh.
"What a joy to do this cover while wearing a piece designed by groundbreaking Black designer @virgilabloh that honors my heritage," Gorman added. "It was a dream to be photographed by the indomitable @annieleibovitz & styled by @gabriellak_j who literally would carry me on her back & forth between set."
Gorman concluded her Instagram caption by writing: "Wow, my hands are shaking with love. This is called the Rise of Amanda Gorman, but it is truly for all of you, both named and unseen, who lift me up ."