CRISTINA RAÈ SERVES VOCALS, VIBES & VICTORY — STAR OF BROADWAY TOUR 'R.E.S.P.E.C.T' OPENS UP ABOUT FEAR, FAME & FINDING HER POWER

Get ready to feel the soul! Cristina Raè — singer, powerhouse, and breakout star from Season 15 of America's Got Talent — is hitting all the right notes as the lead vocalist in the national Broadway tour of R.E.S.P.E.C.T, the high-energy musical tribute to the legendary queen of soul, Aretha Franklin.

Perez Hilton would call it a “don’t-miss diva moment,” and we couldn’t agree more! In an exclusive chat, Cristina opens up about overcoming stage fright, turning setbacks into comebacks (with a little help from AGT), and honoring one of music’s most iconic women — all while slaying stages across the country.

Spoiler alert: perseverance is the name of her game, and honey, this queen is playing to win.

FROM SHY GIRL TO SHOWSTOPPER

It’s hard to believe the woman belting out “Natural Woman” to sold-out crowds once struggled with stage fright, but Cristina Raè says her path to spotlight success had some scary starts.

“I remember singing in front of my family when I was little and literally shaking,” Raè says with a laugh. “I would hide behind curtains and hope no one clapped too loud.”

Fast forward to 2024, and the Nashville-born vocalist is now the lead in one of America's most buzzed-about musical tours — channeling Aretha’s signature sass, style and soul night after night.

“Hearing the audience scream for these songs, for Aretha, for this message of empowerment… it’s surreal,” Raè says. “This role has healed parts of me I didn’t even know were still hurting.”

'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT' WAS HER TURNING POINT

Cristina’s game-changing moment didn’t come overnight — it came on prime time TV. In 2020, she stunned judges and audiences alike on America's Got Talent with a knock-out performance of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight," earning her a standing ovation and the Judge Cuts golden buzzer from Heidi Klum.

“No one knew how scared I was backstage. I was a single mom, unemployed because of the pandemic, and it felt like everything was riding on that one shot,” she shares.

Raè’s vulnerable backstory — including living in her car while pregnant before pursuing music full-time — resonated deeply with AGT fans across the nation. Her journey instantly went viral on TikTok and Instagram, gaining her hundreds of thousands of supporters and proving her resilience runs as deep as her range.

She may not have taken home the AGT crown, but something bigger came. Industry doors opened wide — and Cristina Raè walked through them with all the soul of Aretha and all the fire of a phoenix rising.

“I didn’t need a trophy to know I’m talented,” she smiles. “I needed a platform. And AGT gave me that.”

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN — OF SOUL & SELF-BELIEF

Taking on a legend like Aretha Franklin is no easy feat, but Raè says she approaches the role with reverence and joy.

“This isn’t just theater — it’s a celebration,” she says. “Aretha gave us permission to be bold, be black, and be brilliant. Every night, I step on that stage not just as a singer, but as a woman carrying that torch.”

The touring Broadway production of R.E.S.P.E.C.T has become a cultural moment, attracting fans of all generations. With iconic hits like “Think,” “Chain of Fools,” and the show-stopping “Respect,” it’s one tribute tour that’s got critics raving and TikTok buzzing.

“Every city we hit, I meet someone who tells me, ‘You reminded me of my grandmother who used to play Aretha every Sunday’ or ‘My daughter discovered her through this show,’” Raè gushes. “That keeps me going.”

THRIVING — NOT JUST SURVIVING

Beyond the glitz of costumes and curtain calls, Cristina Raè is on a mission: to inspire those still struggling to find their voice.

“I want people — especially young girls watching — to know it’s okay to start scared,” she says. “Do it anxious. Do it afraid. Do it anyway.”

With finesse, flair, and flawless vocals, Raè’s story is giving fans more than entertainment. It’s a masterclass in growing through fear, finding purpose through pain, and proving that no dream is out of reach.

The best part? She’s just getting started.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CRISTINA?

Aside from slaying sold-out theaters and winning hearts across the country, Cristina says new music is definitely on the horizon.

“I want to record soul music that makes people feel like they’ve overcome something,” she says. “Because I’ve overcome a lot, and I know others have too.”

Until then, she’s belting out Aretha’s classics, rewriting her own narrative, and living proof that with grit and grace, anything is possible.

Let’s give her some R-E-S-P-E-C-T, shall we?

Catch Cristina Raè in the Broadway touring musical R.E.S.P.E.C.T — now playing in cities nationwide.

Follow her journey on Instagram @cristinaraemusic and stream her AGT performances on YouTube, because yes, they still give chills.

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Written by: [Your Name], Entertainment Reporter | 10 years in the biz. Obsessed with all things Broadway, talent shows, and women who win.

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