Pamela Restrepo, also known as Lela, is a Barbara Goleman Senior High School sophomore that has been singing since she was seven years old. Her talent even got her a spot in the blind auditions round for NBC’s hit singing competition show, The Voice. While singing “Havana” by Camila Cabello, Restrepo stunned the audience and judges as she switched from singing in English to Spanish.
“Something I noticed while recording for The Voice was that nobody was doing that. I was the only Latina there, so I wasn’t ashamed of that, and I wanted to express it,” Restrepo explained. “So with a song like ‘Havana,’ I saw the opportunity to make it bilingual to show that I can sing two languages, so I was like why not just go for it?”
Both Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson swung their chairs around for Restrepo to join their team. Restrepo finally chose Hudson because of how much she personally related to the pop star.
“I love her style, and her voice is something so…She’s a powerhouse, and she’s won so many awards. I’m a theatre kid, so since she does acting and stuff I’ve always loved her,” Restrepo said.
While Restrepo sang her heart and soul out to the audience, the seemingly confident singer was actually nervous.
“That has to be one of the scariest things that I’ve ever done. It’s terrifying, because as soon as the doors open and you’re walking out onto the stage, the room is dead silent,” described Restrepo. “All you see is the whole crowd waiting for you to start. Once I started singing in Spanish, everyone was yelling and getting up. It’s moments like those where it’s like a dream come true.”
Restrepo’s goal is to become a professional singer, but in the meantime hopes to attend Florida International University’s School of Business once she graduates. Restrepo says she owes all her success to her mother, who has continuously sacrificed for her daughter so that she’s able to chase her dream.
“It was super unreal, but I’m so grateful I got to live that because I’ve wanted this for so long. So long. Just to get out on that stage and be heard by all of America,” beamed Restrepo.
Although Restrepo won’t be making it to the next rounds, audiences can be sure that this young achiever will make a huge appearance again soon.
“It was super fun,” remarked Restrepo. “I would like to do other shows because there are so many out there. I want to see what other doors open, and I have other plans. I do have other plans, and this is not the end. This is all I want for the rest of my life.”