Every week we’ll profile one of our upcoming acts set to take the stage at L Bar. In case you haven’t heard, we’ll now offer weekly entertainment featuring themed nights and some of South Florida’s best local talent to go with the lounge’s chic-sexy vibe.
Karina Iglesias is a Miami native and has been on the music scene since she learned how to write songs. In 2013, Karina was a contestant on NBC’s #1 Hit TV Show, The Voice. She made it to the Top 16 on the Live Shows. She was originally on Adam Levine’s team but was later stolen by Shakira after her epic performance of “Its a man’s, man’s, man’s world” which turned into a YouTube sensation.
What made you decide to become a singer?
I used to sing in the church as a kid with my grandmother, she was always a natural and loved to sing, she would call me up on stage and I’d always harmonize with her. At a young age, I always knew that I had some innate talent, but I never really took it too seriously, I just had fun with it because I loved music so much.
Tell us about your experience on NBC’s The Voice
Being on “The Voice” was an unbelievable experience. I will never forget the entire process, the friends I made and the incredible exposure it meant for my career.
You were originally, on Adam Levine’s team and then Shakira’s thereafter. How would you describe their teaching experiences?
Adam was great and I really didn’t get enough time to get to know him as a coach because I was stolen so quickly, but he did have very nice things to say about my voice and I believe him pairing up to battle with Judith Hill singing “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” was truly one of the greater moments on the show. Shakira was very hands on and involved with the artists from song selection down to our wardrobe selections. She really wanted her artists to shine on stage.
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
I don’t have a favorite. I was lucky enough to go to my mom’s hometown of Honduras every summer as a kid, so I grew up on Latin boleros, salsa, merengue, pop, reggae, Motown, rock and roll, I was a sponge as a kid and listened to all kinds of genres which I think helped with my versatility in being able to sing many genres well.
What was your biggest challenge as a singer/entertainer?
My biggest challenge is staying true to who I am as a person. Unfortunately, sometimes I don’t get hired because I won’t sing in a dress. It’s really sad because it’s a form of discrimination in this business and I’ve experienced it on many levels, thankfully, during my time on The Voice I never had that problem. I think the standards of beauty for women range vastly and women should never be limited to wearing one thing. I believe I should never have to feel uncomfortable doing what I love to do.
What are you looking to the most when you perform at Seminole Hard Rock’s L Bar on February 24th?
Just vibin’ out with my band, singing some great songs and entertaining and engaging the crowd there as much as possible. Any opportunity I get to sing and share my gift is always a blessing and I never take it for granted.