Spotlight: Natalie Figueroa, the Wedding Singer
Do you ever wonder if your customer service agent is destined for stardom?
Well, meet Natalie Figueroa! Callers comment on her great service and her soothing speaking voice, but little do they know, she also has a beautiful singing voice.
So, lift her up and get in her good graces while she’s only a hometown celebrity! And quickly — she’s already leading a nationwide singing contest, Karaoke Knockout!
But, who is Natalie? She characterizes herself as passionate, silly, and a bit extra. She’s motivated to learn, grow, make a difference, and live life to the fullest.
Natalie became a musician in childhood.
She moved from New Jersey to New York when she was 9. Every year after, she went to Oneida county’s choir ensemble – hosted by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).
Her senior year, she earned NYSSMA’s first available solo opportunity. She also starred in high school drama club productions like Footloose.
“These all felt like signs that I was bound for something greater,” said Natalie.
After graduation, Natalie kept practicing and finding a stage. She sang karaoke wherever possible.
In 2020, she went to NYC to audition for The Voice.
“I didn’t make it, but I was the only one in my group to get a maybe,” she said.
If Natalie isn’t singing, she’s hanging out with other singers.
“The local music scene is hands down the most wholesome community that I’m honored to be a part of.”
Natalie is a patron of local music. She frequents many nearby music spots: - the recently-closed Rhine Hause in Rome, - the 7 Hamlets Brewing Company in Westmoreland, and - mostly Utica venues, like Bagg’s Square, One Genny, Babes, PiNZ, and Celtic Harp.
“The music community is so cool that you can connect with the artist right at their shows,” she said.
After karaoke one night, “a very special someone” approached her – Zainep Abdelaal aka ZZ.
“She was not-so-secretly my idol,” laughed Natalie.
After witnessing Natalie’s talent, ZZ became her mentor. ZZ brought her to Albany for her first professional job audition. She got it! Natalie started singing for the “premium, customizable 3-14 piece band” Silver Arrow. “That night changed my life,” she said.
“That night changed my life,” she said.
Over the last three years, Silver Arrow has hired Natalie more and more. She performs at private gigs, like weddings and fundraisers. Natalie’s energy and soul allowed her to both collab with and stand out from bandmates. Silver Arrow has featured Natalie in countless events in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York.
Official public performances
Then, Natalie began official public performances. Old pal Amos Donnell got her featured at the State Fair in Syracuse.
Climbing the ranks further, Natalie started being featured in paid public events. ZZ hooked her up with “The Swooners”. They all entertained guests at the Turning Stone’s Turquoise Tiger in Verona, NY. Natalie piped ditties like Tina Turner’s Proud Mary.
Since, she’s vocalized at The Fitz in Syracuse, and she has two upcoming April appearances at PiNZ in New Hartford.
2023, 7 Hamlets Brewing Co. in Rome with the band SpeakerBoxx, performing “Valerie”. Left to right: Dan Pugh, Natalie Figueroa, Chris Perez, and Zainep Abdelaal. Photo provided by Natalie Figueroa.
Fellow musicians are very supportive. Chris Perez has given his stage time to her. Teacher Dan Pugh re-educated her on the principles of music theory. In the future, Natalie will also impart mentorship.
“I can say without a doubt that the CNY music scene feels like a family of people rooting for each other’s success.”
Other than friendships, music has given Natalie joy and purpose.
Besides networking, Natalie credits her prosperity to her bravery, stick-with-it-ness, and use of constructive criticism.
Natalie prepares for a show by hydrating, cleaning up, and crafting a glamorous look. She also listens to the setlist and does vocal warmups.
She most enjoys songs from powerful musicians like Amy Winehouse, Adele, Whitney Houston, etc.
2023, Natalie Figueroa at the Utica University Nexus Center hockey game, singing The National Anthem. Photo provided by Natalie Figueroa.
“The best part is when I do events, especially weddings, and the dance floor is packed and everyone’s smiling.”
Natalie enjoys making people’s most memorable moments extra special.
Once, the audience gave her an encore and invited her to an afterparty.
“Everyone was treating me like a celebrity,” she laughed. “It was a great time.”
Even though Natalie is accumulating more followers, she still gets anxious for shows. Many people tell me it’s a sign that you still care about what you do. That makes me feel better.”
Natalie Figueroa leading the voting on the Karaoke Knockout website. Source: karaokeko.org
Partly, she gets nervous when she compares herself to others. She’s gotten the power to overcome her fears and repeat, “You are enough.”
“I feel immensely proud,” she said.
Natalie got a modest start at karaoke bars, and now she’s in first place in Karaoke Knockout.
Once upon a time, she was a Gleek (a Glee super fan). Now, she’s advancing toward meeting contest hosts Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz (from Glee)! What does she stand to win? A journey to Hollywood to compete for $10,000!
But, what would she do with the prize? “I’d finally get loose skin removal after losing 150 pounds these past 3 years.”
Left: Natalie Figueroa, 2020. Right: Natalie Figueroa, 2023. Photo provided by Natalie Figueroa.
By April 25, the finalists will be in Los Angeles, California.
Natalie Figueroa, 2000, age 5. Photo provided by Natalie Figueroa.
Next, judges will choose the “Supreme Singer” and a “Crowd Pleaser” – TBA around May 3.
“Younger me would be in disbelief,” said Natalie.
This thrilling event is only another stepping stone. Natalie’s biggest dream is to perform for enormous venues so she can watch huge crowds sing with her.
“I want my work to inspire people to manifest their dreams. Speaking things into existence is such a real thing, especially in my experience.”
Natalie is inviting you to watch her sing! Follow her socials to get the deets:
Cast a free vote daily so Natalie can represent Utica, Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley in California!
About Cheyenne Dorsagno
Cheyenne Dorsagno
Cheyenne Dorsagno is an Italian-American born and raised in underdog Utica, NY. She studied English at SUNY Oneonta with a minor in Professional Writing and an Editor-in-Chief role at the newspaper. Currently, Cheyenne strives to make our big world a little smaller by introducing locals to their neighbors via human-interest pieces shared on her blog, Our Neighborhood. She’s pursuing creative writing in her free time and various freelance writing in her professional time, such as by copy-writing.
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Mohawk River, German Flatts, NY. Photo by Mohawk Valley Today.
Natalie singing at home, practicing for a gig, 2023
Natalie singing at a wedding in 2023.
Adirondack Bank Center. Photo from the International Ice Hockey Federation.