If you have been following this seasons American Idol, you would have definitely heard of this young Latina, hailing from the Big Apple NYC, living in Washington Heights known for its large vibrant Dominican community, Karen Rodriguez.
As you know at the beginning of the season, you have contestants that think that they can sing, (well in the bathroom), were told that they could sing (friends lied to them), and then you have the jewel among the rocks that actually can sing, that is Karen Rodriguez.
From her first appearance on American Idol, she mesmerized them with her poise, control and of course beautiful powerful voice, (and the confidence of a true New Yorker).
Tonight I caught up with Ms Rodriguez by phone on her birthday, making her 22 years old; I asked her ‘When did you first decide to audition for this seasons American Idol?’ She said that she was actually on the computer and she saw the advertisement to audition through MySpace, and thought to herself why not, so she recorded herself and sent it in.
Now her cultural background is kind of unique, I mentioned before that she lived in Washington Heights, her father being Dominican, but her mother was from Peru. So you have that Caribbean island influence and the South American connection all in one “Sancocho”.
I asked her how it was growing up in NYC aka Washington Heights as a Latina. Karen replied living in the Heights I was greatly influenced by my neighborhood, hearing Bachata and Merengue in the streets and then of course all the Dominican food, I love that about my culture.
Not knowing too much about her mother’s side of the family she said she visited Peru and was amazed at the beauty and richness of the culture there, it helped her immensely in knowing how her mother grew up.
Back to American Idol: Karen did something unique during her tenure on the show; she sang her songs both in English and Spanish, with the greatest of ease. I asked her did she feel that the audience and America connected with what she did.
Emphatically she said yes, “I wanted to share who I was as a Latina, wanting to be the first Latin crossover American Idol winner on the show”, she said that she received so many tweets from all around the country thanking her for representing all the Latinas by what she did and how she did it.
Since food is such a large part of the Latin culture I asked her what was her favorite dish, the list read like a restaurant menu, starting with Arroz con Habichelas, (Rice and beans) Platanos Maduras, (Sweet plantains) Steak with onions and of course Mofongo, (which can consist of green bananas, garlic, seafood or pork) depending on where you went, I had to smile because all that is on my list too. I said well that really makes you Dominican, she laughed and agreed.
Now she is back in NYC, I asked Karen what was in her future?, she said now that she is back in NY she wants to pursue opportunities in TV and film, either in commercial ads or acting, most of all she wants to continue to sing and hopefully sign a record deal, always representing to the best of her ability as a Latina.
I was very impressed by her poise and confidence, I am sure we will be hearing and seeing more of this talented young lady, we all wish Karen at En la escena all the best, and look forward to having her on the show, for a more in-depth interview.
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