June 2, 2026 • 39 mins
This week, Tommy is joined by Kirstin Maldonado, the Grammy-winning vocalist of Pentatonix and current star of SIX, for a conversation about music, motherhood, and pursuing new dreams. Kirstin reflects on becoming part of one of the most successful vocal groups in the world, sharing why the members of Pentatonix continue to champion one another’s successes. She opens up about bringing beloved songs to life, the emotional experience of performing SIX each night, and what it’s like balancing the demands of Broadway with raising a family. The conversation also explores the importance of setting boundaries, the teachers and mentors who helped shape her career, and why she never gave up on her Broadway dream after an early audition didn’t go her way. Plus, Kirstin discusses her love of Disney, dream roles she still hopes to play, writing music for other artists, and how motherhood has changed the way she views both her career and herself.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with me,
Tommy di Dario. I am such a huge fan of Pentatonics.
They cross every genre and they create music that makes
us feel something. We feel something when we listen to them,
and every time I listen to them while walking around
New York City, I feel like I'm either rocking out
(00:21):
or I'm dancing because they create such a reaction in me.
Today's guest is the only gal in the group, the
brilliantly talented Kirsten Maldonado, who, just when I think can't
serve vocals any more fiercely, I listen to the next
song of Pentatonics, and I'm proven wrong, so so wrong.
What a gift she has. And say, note you guys,
if you haven't heard their renditions of The Prayer and
(00:42):
Halley Lujah after this interview, go listen to those songs.
But for now, she's returning to Broadway and starring in
the beloved musical Six. Her opening night was just last night,
so we recorded this just a few days before then
to see how she's feeling as she gears up for
an incredible money in her career. So let's see if
today we can get Kirsten to say something that she
(01:04):
has never said before. Hello, my friend, how are you today?
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Gad, how are you doing?
Speaker 1 (01:13):
I am so good. I'm so happy to have you here.
I love when I have someone on the show who's
a friend of a friend. Yes, and we have a
very good friend, Will Ganz, who was like, you were
gonna have the best time ever. I've known her forever
and he may have given me a few like secret
weapon questions to ask you.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Oh no, yeah, he's known me since I was five,
so he would know all of it.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
Yeah. Yeah, there's some good ones that we're going to
bring out. First of all, Like, congratulations on everything going
on in your life. You have so much happening. You've
had such an incredible career as it is, and just
when you know you think you're doing it all and
have done it all, you're gonna go do Broadway again.
Like it's just amazing that you keep doing things that
a fuel your soul and that keep challenging yourself.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Right, thank you? Yeah? Yeah, I mean I I've always
loved musical theater. That was like my first passion. And
I got to do Kinky Boots in twenty eighteen, which
is amazing eight years ago, and then now going into six,
it feels like such a big growth moment for like
the difference of the character. And then six is like NonStop,
like belt your face off, dance so much choreography, and
(02:16):
I it's such a challenge, but I'm really looking forward
to it. I'm really excited.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Oh my god, we're going to talk all about that.
I also want to address your name. We were just
talking about your name before we started, and I feel
like there's so many people who sometimes can get confused
on pronunciation. Kirsty right, you know, let's set the record straight. Yes,
it's Crasty maybe after the actress.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yes, uh huh, Chrissy Ali, huh, it's true? Is it
how you say it?
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Maybe?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Are I also like the American girl doll? Right, is
Kirsten or is she Christen? No, it's Kristen.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Yeah, I don't know that.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
That's all right.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
I'm so sorry I did not have that. I may
be game, but I did not have the American doll.
Grown up to not have that.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Someone just told me the other day they mentioned it
to me, and I was like, oh, I've never thought
of that. I've always just like Christy ally, but they
were like, like the American Girl don I was like, Okay,
I'll use that one now.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Maybe it'll hit for some people.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Well, I love it. I love it. I guess to begin,
Oh where do I want to begin. Let's take it
back for a minute. Yeah, you were driving home from
high school belting out the soundtrack to the Broadway version
of The Little Mermaid.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
I knew you're gonna say that. I knew it.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
I knew uh huh, screaming at the top of your lungs,
windows down. What were you dreaming of at that point
of your life.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
I just I love that you said that. It's a
very visceral memory with Will driving in the car. I mean,
I just loved musical theater so much. I think I
love that soundtrack too, because I think as a teenager
growing up, when you're trying to understand your emotions and
the new experiences in your life and looking forward to
(03:52):
what your life will be, it's such like this beautiful
open moment of like in a sense of just like
dreaming big and like I just wanted to be out
in New York. I knew I wanted to be singing
and doing what I loved. I had debated, like, you know,
do I go to school for this and this is
(04:13):
just a hobby? And I was like, no, I really
want to like pursue this, like with all my heart
and all my soul. And I wanted to be in
New York and just like vibing with the energy, like
I think there's no other energy in the world like
the city here, and it just every time I'm here,
it really just stirs my soul in a way that's
really hard to describe. I love just the energy of
(04:36):
walking around with so many other people and just I
don't know, I love who I am here, the inspiration
that I have here, And so I think, just like
when I was belting if Only or whatever that song
is going, I was just dreaming, dreaming of being in
a place like this and getting to do what I love.
(04:58):
And so go and fast.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Forward to that girl to them being in one of
the biggest global groups. Yeah, right, ever that people just
love and you guys mean so much to so many
people and are a part of so many people's memories
and moments that are special to them. Right, And you
guys have been making music with Pentatonics for well over
a decade at this point. Yeah, what do you think
(05:23):
has been a secret to your longevity in this business,
because it's not easy.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Yeah, I think I think it's beautiful that we're a
group of five different individuals because we're drawing different influences
from different places. So I think in that way, we
don't feel super stagnant, I guess. And I also think
that we all have respect for each other, and at
(05:52):
the end of the day, we're all trying to come
together for like the greater good of creating music and
being in Pentatonics, and we all have mutual respect for
each other as people and care about each other as
people Like Scott, Mitch and I went to high school together.
We've known each other for forever too, and Kevin and
Matt are amazing, and I just feel like our personalities
(06:14):
really blend together in a way that maybe other people don't,
and it's harder to get along, you know. And so.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Yeah, when you look at where you guys were in
the beginning on the sing off, right where you are now,
what's been one of the most surreal moments for you?
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Oh? Man? I mean so many, so many, Because I
also feel like what's so wonderful about being in a
group is that everyone has different goals and ideas of
where you should go. And because of that, I think
we've all gotten to experience and try so many different
things that maybe you wouldn't do by yourself, I guess,
(06:54):
you know. But winning a Grammy it was like yeah
and uh, And the Hollywood Walk of Fame star was
like crazy. I so bringing in Will again. I went
to LA for the first time with Will when we
were like sixteen for a friend's birthday, and I remember
(07:18):
like I was like, wow, La, it's so cool, and
we like walked down the Walk of Fame area and
so like that was such just a real thing. It
was somewhere that it wasn't even like a goal. I
just never thought I would ever be, you know. And
so that is like really special in a different way.
It's like not maybe achieving the dream you've always wanted,
it's being like, wow, I never even dreamed this for myself.
(07:41):
So to be here is like mind blowing, you know.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Yeah, and like forever cemented yeah in the world.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
In an honor too, it's just yeah, that's.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Amazing, that's incredible. I have to I can't have you
here and not say that your version of Hollylujah is
like one of the most breath taking things I've ever
heard in my life. And then when you come on,
I might pretend that's like me singing belting it out,
you know, like there might be a music video moment
in my head. It's just so good. It it's so
(08:10):
good and you just kill that song. Does that song
have special meaning for you? Was that a cool moment
to create a song that so many people have covered
and released on their own.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Yeah, I mean, I just I love that everyone, like
you get all the voices singing, like having a verse
and getting to a mote in a different way. And
I feel like those are my favorite songs that we
do where you get a sense of everyone's heart, like
they're creating what that story is for them, and then
we're all coming together in the end. And I don't know.
(08:41):
I mean, I think that song is really beautiful because
it transcends any year or moment, it can relate, It
can be about so many different things in your life.
But I think overall, I love that it's brought me
and other people when we hear their stories, it's brought
them peace and comfort and whatever are going through. And
I can say that about like things, moments in my life,
(09:04):
or even just like moments when you're exhausted with work
or travel or tour or whatever it is. Sometimes just
singing that song on stage with everyone is healing in
that way too, within whatever's going on there, you know
what I mean.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
M Yeah, And to your point, people connect with it
and other songs in such different ways and have a
reason why they feel it, you know.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Yeah, yeah, it's really beautiful.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
So you get stopped the most for a particular song
over and over again.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Maybe Hallelujah, Yeah yeah, or mm like Mary did you
know comes up a lot? Or the other really random
one is like Sesame Street when we did something that
something on Sesame Street. We did like a Numbers song.
And it's so crazy that people will be like, I'm
I'm in college and I remember seeing you on Sesame
(09:56):
Street and I was like, you're in college? What do
you mean? What do you mean?
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Right? That's yeah, I mean you guys transcend multi generations
of people. Yeah, it's so cool too, And I love
that you started with friends like you mentioned Scott and
Mitch and you all ye went to school together and
came up together. How have friendships in the group evolved
over time.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
I mean they've really evolved into like family. And I
think with family, like sometimes you're like hanging out all
the time, and sometimes you're like, all right, we need
a second away from each other. And I think now
we're at this beautiful place where we all we're also
grown up, like we have like husbands and wives and kids,
and you know, and we all respect and give each
(10:37):
other space. But when we come together, we're all still like,
oh my gosh, like catching up and having fun. And
it might not be like h every weekend we're like
doing something maybe like we used to, but it's still
very like positive and supportive and and nice. And I
think we're also just all really proud of each other
(10:57):
because we've gotten to see each other in so many
different phases of life, good and bad. And we're all
all five of us in like such a really happy,
beautiful place. And that's really nice to see because fourteen years,
like that's not always going to be the case, just naturally,
you know. And so I'm so happy that now everyone's
(11:18):
in like a really lovely place, and so we all
love and support that for each other too, and.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
You said a really big word, respect, And you can't
have a healthy relationship, either friendship or romantic without having that.
I think it's so important. Yeah, people forget that, right,
but when you truly respect somebody, I mean it can
only go up. Like there might be bumps along the way,
but you communicate in a way that's like not offensive
(11:43):
and awful.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Yeah. Absolutely, So it's great. I love like where we're
at right now. I feel like it's really positive and
it's fun to be able to see each of us
get to do and carry out the dreams that we've
always wanted too. Like I think before and like the
grind season of Pentatonics, it was like Pedatonics are nothing.
There was no time to really get to do anything else.
(12:08):
But you know, everyone's making music or Broadway or creating
musicals or doing like all this stuff. And so it's
really beautiful. Scott dancing with the stars, you know. Yeah,
so it's awesome and.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
You all show up for each other, yeah, which is
really cool. Yeah, Yeah, it's so important. It's so important.
We talked about what fans like music wise, We talked
about what I like music wise. You guys have done
pop country, I mean the list goes on and on
holiday all sorts of different genres for you. Is there
a song you've covered that is particularly meaningful?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Hmmm, Yeah, I really love all our like more emotional ballads.
There's a song called My Heart with You that I
really love. It's originally by the Rescues. It's kind of
I don't know if a lot of people know about it,
(12:57):
but I love that it came around a time where
I really needed that song honestly too, in like a
in like a healing grief kind of way. And it's
really beautiful and really poetic, and I found that one,
like honestly like that. That one, to me is kind
of like my Hallelujah, where the words just mean so
(13:21):
much to me and can kind of like fluctuate to
different things, continue to do it. And also that song
was just like really important timing ways for me.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
Were you did you have to say in bringing that
song to life or it just happened to be.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
Yeah, I'm I did. I We've always loved that song,
Like I remember, it was like one of the first
songs that we all together as a group were like,
we love this song so much. And then we did
our album Evergreen which was more like folky indie, and
so we were like, let's what can we do? And also,
because we do so many Christmas songs, we're like, what
can kind of become a Christmas song that's not you know,
(13:57):
maybe the same Christmas songs we've already done, And so
we chose that one and I was I was so
happy because I love that song so much.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Oh my god, amazing. I think a lot of people
are going to go, yeah, the Little God listen now.
And to put a pin on this part of the conversation,
do you ever get tired of Christmas?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
No?
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Like you love it?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
You're all in I you know, I will say originally
I was a Halloween girly, okay, and so when we
first were like dipping toes into Christmas, I was like,
I mean, Halloween still reigns supreme, But but I love
Christmas to be honest, I really do. And I the
tour is always so fun because it's just all good vibes,
Like it's that time of the year everyone just wants
(14:36):
to enjoy and have a good time, and everyone's coming
and like sparkly clothes and just like ready to just
like soak in Christmas. You know, and I love it. Honestly,
it's so it's so fun.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
God, it's it must be fun to cover so many
gen and dip your feet into so many different things.
Now being Broadway your latest venture, right, that's why you're
here in New York. You made your Broadway debut with
Kinky Boots, so this is your second show, right. But man,
six the musical it's so good. I saw it a
few years ago. I love it. It's camp, it's fun.
(15:19):
Why were you like this is the show for me?
I gotta do this one.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
I just think it's so awesome. Like it's just I
was gonna say a curse word, sorry, and then I
stopped my Okay, I wasn't saying it's so badass.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Yeah you could say anything all the show.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
I didn't know. Do you see my brain? Stop? It
was like, can I do it? But I think it's
hilarious that it's like five Pentatonics and I'm going to
a show called six and I'm trading in the boys
for girls. I love it. It makes me laugh. But
I just love that you get to celebrate all these
different styles of music, and each queen is like a
whole different pop star and it's just really really fun.
(15:56):
And yeah, I saw it too, and I hadn't seen
it when it first came out, but when I saw it,
I was like laughing, I was crying. It was everything,
and it's like in a cute little hour and a
half moment and it's just like the best.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
It blends pop with musical theater. Yeah, so I feel
like you're a pro at. I mean did Did that
just seem like an easy fit for you?
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Yeah? I mean easy because there's a lot of choreography
in terms of like being on stage and like not
necessarily leaving and doing a cappella for like two hours.
I was like, Okay, well that's a good transition in
but there is so much choreography because when you're not
doing your like Queen hero song in your moment, you
are a backup dancer for everyone. And so that is
(16:36):
a new thing for me. But it's so fun. It's
like such a fun challenge and I'm excited and I'm
gonna protect my knees as much as I can and
my body, but I'm really excited.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Did you grow up dancing or no, sort of.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
I took dance like when I was like three to ten,
eleven ish, but then I stopped because I fell in
love with like theater and music, and I started doing
more activities that were geared towards that than like competitive
dance world you know, so kind of but not really.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Yeah, Like if there's ever an audition, I'm not going
to the dancer call, I'm going to the mover call.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
Okay, yeah yeah, yeah. Well that's amazing though. You're challenging
yourself and it's something new to conquer, right, Yeah, and
that's that I know. As an artist keeps like the
juice is flowing. You never want to be like who
you were yesterday, right, You want to keep evolving and growing.
Do you get nervous before and opening night?
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Yes? I will be very nervous. Yeah, I will be
very nervous.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
Even though you're performing in front of tens of thousands
of people all the time in your group, like, you
still get nervous.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Yes, It depends. It depends what it is, like if
it's a show with Pentatonics, like what it's for, sometimes
I'll get nervous or honestly, I get nervous when it's
like a hometown show or like and it's like my
mom my family, and teachers that have known me, like
in a way where I'm like, I want to do
a good job, so I like I make people proud
or I feel good about it or I'm like yeah, look,
(18:06):
you know, but I will be nervous for six because
it's so much information and a lot of this sometimes too,
but but yeah, and I mean this for me, like
Broadway is just what I've This is like my like
return to kid Kirsty self, like my biggest dream, you know.
(18:27):
And so this is like such an important thing to
me that I hold super sacred and like definitely want
to do a good job at because I respect and
love it so much.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
You know, have you had a moment in this whole
process leading up to opening night where you just like
stopped and looks around and got emotional for some reason.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
Yes, honestly this is gonna sound like so cheese. But
the end the end of six, like we're singing and
and you're like looking out of the audience and just
kind of taking it all in. And I was like,
this is going to make me cry, and I and
I thought later like when I when I leave this show, like, oh,
(19:07):
this is a section that I'll cry at. But even
coming into the show and I'm not even in it yet,
I was like, oh, I'm getting a little emotional. I
don't know why, but it's just really special. I think
like the content of the show is just really special too.
It's celebrating everyone's stories and lifting them up and giving
a voice to those who didn't feel like they had
a voice and didn't really at the time that way,
(19:28):
you know. And so it's a really special show.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
And you're thinking of that little you, right, So Ye're
a mermaid in the car leading up to this moment,
and yes, you've done so much from then to now,
but this hits differently. It's it's like your original dream.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Yeah, yeah, I really does. And so I'm just really
happy to be out here and excited to share the
stage with such powerhouse women.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
And yeah, how do you push fear aside to not
get in your way when you're doing something like this.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
It's so hard. I mean, I think, I'm so glad
for the rehearsal time, and i feel like I'm in
a really good place where like the next because I
have one more week until I'm in, We're I'll really
be able to like dial it in. I think just
like being as prepared as possible, so that way you're
not your brain isn't also thinking about what you need
(20:21):
to do, which could also instigate fear. Like as prepared
as you are, as the better. So it's just like
second nature in your body. Yeah, And I mean I
always try to, like I always tell people like, yeah,
I'm just try to like really take a deep breath
and center yourself. But in six you are moving constantly,
(20:41):
so it is hard to even just catch your breath.
So it's going to be an experience for me.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Are you the type of person that like can leave work,
turn it off, and go about your day night, or
are you like constantly thinking about Okay, my song, my
melody at that move, Like when you're prepping for something
like this and when you're in it, do you have
any sort of balance or is it kind of always
on for you?
Speaker 2 (21:05):
Yeah? I mean, honestly, this balance has been interesting because
it's unlike a tour because I have two kiddos, and
unlike a tour where it's like just a certain amount
of weeks and we have an amazing Tornadi come out
and help and all that, Like we all are together
in the house and so when I come home, as
(21:27):
I kind of like study on the train and then
study when they go down to sleep if my brain
still has like activity to take anything new in. But
besides that, I'm like mommy at home, you know. And
so Broadway was already hard when I came out the
first time, and I was by myself and knowing when
to recover and rest and do all that. So it'll
(21:49):
be a learning experience doing it now when I can't
really just like turn off when I go home, you know.
So I'm finding that I don't know what that is yet.
But there's another mom that is in the cast, Anna,
and she so I'm looking forward to speaking with her
and seeing how she does it too, because she is
a Kiddoh.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
Man, you guys are superheroes like moms who who balance
all of this. It's my head is off to you.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Yeah. I think it's a lot.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Yeah, it is a lot, and you're doing it.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:19):
And what a great example for your kids, you know,
like go after your dreams and you can still you
can still make it work and not always be easy. Yeah,
you know, you can do it.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Yeah. And I think that's really important to me and
important to show the kids and I'm just thankful that
my husband is amazing and we both are very like,
you know, we'll always support each other if you're doing
something like forty sixty or seventy thirty or you know
whatever that dial is like, we're very supportive of each other.
(22:48):
And so that's really beautiful too. I'm very blessed.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
That's amazing. That's amazing. I always say, you want to have,
whether it's a friend or partner, like hype people in
your life. Yeah, you know, I want that for my friends.
I want to be that person for them and for
my husband and for everyone in my life. So I
think that's it makes life a little easier when you
can find that.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Yeah, definitely, Yeah, definitely. And then just positive vibes too,
like honest positive vibes than someone being in your life
that's negative.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Yeah, no time for that.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
No, we're done with that. No.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
Oh yeah, no, I have no tolerance for that.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
No.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
I'm an Italian from Jersey and I'm like, don't like
that energy.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
We're done well, honestly and too. Since having kids, I
feel like my boundaries are so much better than they've
ever been before. I feel like I was just like more,
go with the flow or I don't know, making I
don't want to say excuses, but just like yeah, this
is fine or whatever. And now I'm like, Okay, no,
we're not going to do this, and like I only
have so much time and attention and what I can do,
(23:45):
like with my kids and with work and with my
dreams and my goals, and so now I feel very
like set and it's nice. It's nice to be in
that place, you know, for you, good for you.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
When I have people like you on the show who
have done so much and who have a job that
a lot of dreamers out there who are listening can't
even comprehend being at that level one day. They want it,
but it's like, oh my god, I can't even imagine
being at that level, you know, peak performance. What advice
do you have for those dreamers out there, those artists
(24:18):
out there, those up and comers who want to be
where you are one day?
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Yeah, I mean, I think just continue to go forward
and try to do as much as you can. Obviously,
I think like it's so hard to step out of
your comfort zone. I can look back on like a
hundred times in the past where I wish I would
have set out of my comfort zone a little more
to like learn something new, like a new nochal my belt.
(24:43):
But I think just tries me things you can because
you'll never know what will excite you that maybe you
didn't expect for yourself. And I also think that as
a creative nothing is linear and like you don't have
a linear path in that way, and so because of that,
you can give yourself grace to authentically experience what you're
(25:06):
experiencing at the time. If you want to push yourself
when you're like, you know what, I want to write
a song every single day, that's amazing and that's great.
But if you're like, you know what, I'm in a
rut and I don't want to listen to music for
the entire week because I kind of am just had enough.
Like I think that's okay too, and everyone's journey is different,
(25:26):
I know, Like for me, like if I've ever had
that feeling, there was literally a time where I like
wasn't listening to music in the car at all and
it was just silent, and I was like, this is
so strange because that used to be my like, you know,
I don't know, being in the car and celebrating and
singing and Little Mermaid and all that, and but you know,
and then it came back and so it's like, don't
(25:47):
overthink what maybe you need mentally at the time and
as a creative like you ebb and flow and so.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Yeah, do you think Miss VICKI would be pretty proud
of you right now?
Speaker 2 (26:03):
I think so, yeah, I hope.
Speaker 1 (26:04):
So for all the listeners out there, Miss Vicky.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Is too my teacher, my first choir teacher from like kindergarten,
the Holy Rosary Catholic School.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
I just dropped the Miss Vicky.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
I know we're gonna have to text her and she's
gonna be like, oh my gosh, I was mentioned.
Speaker 1 (26:21):
That's incredible.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
It's amazing.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
But remember like you know, remember you back then with
Miss Vicky. Yeah, like even at that young age singing
and performing and.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Oh yes, I was giving full Canter you mass Oh yes,
that soprano. Oh yeah, yeah, we're giving full currier.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
Oh my god, that's amazing. That's amazing. Is it fun
for you because you do have this crazy, incredible soprano
to now be like belting it out, Like have you
always wanted to be belting it out?
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Yeah? I mean I think that's what's fun too, like
by trying some many different things or school or whatever,
like getting to experience different parts of your voice that
you didn't know that you have that then return like
like I've been belting that. But we even just for
this last tour with Pentatonics, I did a Rosalia cover
of Mio Cristo pianga dia monte and it's an Italian
(27:13):
and she hits this like high operatic note at the end,
and that was fun to kind of like bring back
because I haven't really been singing like that in a
long time too, and it's just fun to flex those
different muscles. And I always admire like singers or creatives
that like don't just stay in one lane two, whether
(27:35):
that means like they did Broadway, they're doing movies and
TV and voiceovers and all that stuff. I feel like
it's so fun to experience all those different things, and
so it's something I've always wanted to keep with me
as well.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
Yeah, you just triggered like ten questions.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Okay, yeah to you.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
Okay, for like a leading lady on Broadway and like
an iconic leading lady role, what you'd be like, I
want to do that, I'd slay it.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
Well, I've always my one of my big goals to do.
I've always wanted to be a Vida.
Speaker 1 (28:15):
I was thinking of. I'm like, I wonder if she's
gonna say yes.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
I've always I love the music. I mean, it's amazing
and Rachel's amazing. I'm so excited it's coming here so
i can see her because she's fantastic. So yeah, that
would be big. That would be huge that I would
love that. I mean, Eponine and Lemis would be awesome too.
That would be wonderful. Yeah, whatever, what do you think
(28:41):
of alphab is so hard? I would give you like
a for one night only?
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Or are you more of a Glinda? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
I don't know. I've always thought alpha BA, but I
don't know.
Speaker 1 (28:57):
You could do it.
Speaker 2 (28:58):
I could do it, I can maybe, I don't know.
Somewhat a long time ago was like, you could be
Christine and Phantom. I was like, I don't know if
it's saying that. I that's intense, that's intense. I love Phantom.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
Too, so good. And you brought up you know, artists
staying in different lanes and not being in a box
movies and TV. Have you thought about that?
Speaker 2 (29:19):
Yeah, I mean, my my other big goal would be
to be a Disney princess. I'm waiting for Disney and
just to ask me.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
Yeah, in like a live action or like.
Speaker 2 (29:30):
Animation, and I feel like true animation is fun. But
I would do I mean, I would do either. But
that's just so fun because I feel like Disney and
all those movies is what like made me fall in
love with music, and then it turned into musical theater
and then it you know, and so it's just so
(29:51):
fun and I love it. I love watching Disney movies.
I I did it even before I had my daughter. Yeah,
I was like waiting for her to get old enough
to be like, I want to watch Frozen too. I'm like, yes,
I love Frozen too. That was like my COVID dopamine
(30:12):
happy show. I watched it nauseum, which is an interesting choice,
but it brought me joy. I needed it.
Speaker 1 (30:18):
So maybe you were manifesting something in that world. We'll see. Yeah, oh,
and you brought up your kiddos. Of course, you're a
mom of two, balancing everything that you're doing. How has
your perspective of success and ambition shifted or changed? It's
(30:41):
becoming a mom?
Speaker 2 (30:42):
Yeah, I mean I think it's shifted in a really
great way. Honestly, I think I, like I said earlier,
I'm able to draw better boundaries. I'm able to just
even though like life is so hectic and there's so
much more is demanded of me, I'm able to now
to see where to put my energy in and what
(31:03):
to release and let go of and what to take in.
I only have so much time, so I'm really selective
with like where I put my time or my love
or my energy into, whether that's like career goals or
people or whatever that is, you know. And I feel, honestly,
(31:24):
even though, yeah, like having like a nearly four year
old and a one year old is like, think of
it crazy, Like I do feel more grounded in a
different way that I didn't feel before them. And I
think it is because when you have kids, you just
time is such a weird construct and suddenly it's going
(31:46):
by so fast or you don't have enough of it,
and it's like so you're really just more diligent about
like where you put your energy. And I'm thankful to
that too, because I think it's just made me a
better person and it's making me want to show up
in a way, in a positive way, I guess for them.
Speaker 1 (32:06):
I think it's always important, in my opinion, to have
other things to live for besides work. Yeah, right. And
I also think as an artist, that shapes your artistry.
Speaker 2 (32:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
Yeah, it's like a beautiful full circle thing.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
Yeah, and it just regrounds you too in terms of
like what's important too. I think sometimes you can get
lost in like what you think is important or what
you think you need to do to get to a
goal you want, versus just being authentic into where you are,
(32:40):
I guess, and still working hard and having things come
in that way versus forcing them, I guess, you know.
And yeah, I feel like even with with six, like
I auditioned for it two years ago and didn't it
didn't work out then, and then when it came back,
I just felt this like joy of being like, you know,
that's so nice because sometimes when you're just like throwing
(33:02):
auditions into the wind and you're like, all right, I
guess that just is in the ether wherever, and it's
not on anyone's desk and it's just gone, you know.
So the fact that it came back while I was
still able to like show up in my motherhood and
show up for Pentatonics and all those things just brings
me a lot of joy that, like the work that
you put in is still really important and it doesn't
just get kind of lost and left behind, you know.
(33:24):
So that feels really really good as well.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
You know that's amazing that two years ago you audition
and it just it's role. Yeah yeah, And were you
like heartbroken? That was sad, yeah, yeah, yeah, but you
did not let that stop you from going after it again. Yeah,
which is interesting.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
Yeah, why because I love it? Yeah, I love rejection
and I'm just kidding no, I love it. I and
and again, like anything with Broadway or just it's it's
a whole different thing. I think, like Pentatonics is so
wonderful and beautiful, like the harmonies and everything, but to
be able to like put your heart and soul into
(34:04):
a character in a storyline, like I feel like I
my strength or what I love to do is storytell
and and emote and share those emotions. And I love
being able to step into roles or sing songs that
have that meaning where I get to do that versus
(34:26):
I think like I did solo music for like a second,
and I loved it because I felt like the songs
that I did were very authentic to me at the time,
the stories I was telling, but in terms of like
advocating for myself as like everyone, go check out my
song this, Like I don't know if that's like me
versus just being like, this is a beautiful story that
(34:47):
I want to share and tell, and like I love
like writing for other artists and stuff too. But does
that make sense? I don't know.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Yeah. Yeah, it's a different feeling, you know, and you
feel your calling is more towards It feels like a
collective effort, a team effort, like yeah, it's you. Look
you feel how you feel like soul tho. Stuff you
were doing wasn't fulfilling every part of you. You're like, Okay,
I'm gonna go do what will like Broadway? Yeah yeah,
that's amazing. Oh my god, I could. I could talk forever.
(35:15):
But to wrap up this conversation, the name of the
show is called I've never said this before, And I
started this because I cover a lot of red carpets
and premieres, and you know, I get two minutes with people,
that's how it is on a carpet, and it's so
quick and I would walk away being like, I'm not fulfilled.
I feel like who I was talking to wasn't fulfilled.
It's just like an assembly line. And I wanted to
(35:35):
welcome people in and have a safe space to share
something meaningful that you don't always get a chance to share.
So that's how that concept was born. So is there
something you've never said before that you want to share today?
Speaker 2 (35:52):
I know, I was like, there's so many There's so
many things I've never said before. I think I don't
know I want to say anything like too controversial. I
you know, we just we were in Europe with Pentatonics,
(36:15):
and the culture there is so beautiful and wonderful, and
everyone speaks different languages. It's super celebrated out there. I
grew up my parents didn't learn Spanish and teach me Spanish.
There was like a time of like not embracing that
and kind of like assimilating and and I hope that
(36:37):
as a collective in America we can go back to
being like, you know, being bilingual and sharing everyone's cultures
and languages is like so beautiful and important. And I
think that it's a disservice to everyone to not if
we don't have like such an open minded view for it,
you know, because to be able to go travel and
(37:00):
explore and see all these different places and the holidays
and the traditions that they have is just like so beautiful.
And I hope that everyone gets to feel like they
can share who they are, you know, and not hide it.
I think like that's so sad, and I wish that
that would have been more embraced when I grew up,
(37:22):
so that I could I've had that, I guess, you know, yeah,
I think it's I think it's too bad when someone
feels like they have to hide a part of themselves
to be accepted into anywhere. That can go for a
lot of things, right, you know. And so it's something
that I always want to teach my children, you know,
(37:45):
and maybe bring back for them in a different way
and for them to be proud of who they are
and where they've come from.
Speaker 1 (37:51):
Thank you for sharing that. It's a good reminder for
us all. And I think if anyone can do it
for your kids, it's you. You seem to do what
you want to do and make it happen. So I
think it's very amiable and my god, I am so
excited to see you in six You're like, I will
be their front row, screaming, going crazy and cheering you on.
Speaker 2 (38:11):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (38:11):
We're going to make it happen. So you are in
the show till.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
When June one, August ninth.
Speaker 1 (38:15):
Okay, so everybody get your tickets, go see you crush
it because I know you are, and we're going to
continue cheering you on. Thank you so much, Thank you,
my friend. This has been lovely.
Speaker 3 (38:27):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by Me Tommy Dedario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by Me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
podcast Network on iHeart Podcasts. For more rate review and
subscribe to our show and if you like this episode,
(38:50):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy de Dario
Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with me,
Tommy di Dario. I am such a huge fan of Pentatonics.
They cross every genre and they create music that makes
us feel something. We feel something when we listen to them,
and every time I listen to them while walking around
New York City, I feel like I'm either rocking out
(00:21):
or I'm dancing because they create such a reaction in me.
Today's guest is the only gal in the group, the
brilliantly talented Kirsten Maldonado, who, just when I think can't
serve vocals any more fiercely, I listen to the next
song of Pentatonics, and I'm proven wrong, so so wrong.
What a gift she has. And say, note you guys,
if you haven't heard their renditions of The Prayer and
(00:42):
Halley Lujah after this interview, go listen to those songs.
But for now, she's returning to Broadway and starring in
the beloved musical Six. Her opening night was just last night,
so we recorded this just a few days before then
to see how she's feeling as she gears up for
an incredible money in her career. So let's see if
today we can get Kirsten to say something that she
(01:04):
has never said before. Hello, my friend, how are you today?
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Gad, how are you doing?
Speaker 1 (01:13):
I am so good. I'm so happy to have you here.
I love when I have someone on the show who's
a friend of a friend. Yes, and we have a
very good friend, Will Ganz, who was like, you were
gonna have the best time ever. I've known her forever
and he may have given me a few like secret
weapon questions to ask you.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Oh no, yeah, he's known me since I was five,
so he would know all of it.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
Yeah. Yeah, there's some good ones that we're going to
bring out. First of all, Like, congratulations on everything going
on in your life. You have so much happening. You've
had such an incredible career as it is, and just
when you know you think you're doing it all and
have done it all, you're gonna go do Broadway again.
Like it's just amazing that you keep doing things that
a fuel your soul and that keep challenging yourself.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Right, thank you? Yeah? Yeah, I mean I I've always
loved musical theater. That was like my first passion. And
I got to do Kinky Boots in twenty eighteen, which
is amazing eight years ago, and then now going into six,
it feels like such a big growth moment for like
the difference of the character. And then six is like NonStop,
like belt your face off, dance so much choreography, and
(02:16):
I it's such a challenge, but I'm really looking forward
to it. I'm really excited.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Oh my god, we're going to talk all about that.
I also want to address your name. We were just
talking about your name before we started, and I feel
like there's so many people who sometimes can get confused
on pronunciation. Kirsty right, you know, let's set the record straight. Yes,
it's Crasty maybe after the actress.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yes, uh huh, Chrissy Ali, huh, it's true? Is it
how you say it?
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Maybe?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Are I also like the American girl doll? Right, is
Kirsten or is she Christen? No, it's Kristen.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Yeah, I don't know that.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
That's all right.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
I'm so sorry I did not have that. I may
be game, but I did not have the American doll.
Grown up to not have that.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Someone just told me the other day they mentioned it
to me, and I was like, oh, I've never thought
of that. I've always just like Christy ally, but they
were like, like the American Girl don I was like, Okay,
I'll use that one now.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Maybe it'll hit for some people.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Well, I love it. I love it. I guess to begin,
Oh where do I want to begin. Let's take it
back for a minute. Yeah, you were driving home from
high school belting out the soundtrack to the Broadway version
of The Little Mermaid.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
I knew you're gonna say that. I knew it.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
I knew uh huh, screaming at the top of your lungs,
windows down. What were you dreaming of at that point
of your life.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
I just I love that you said that. It's a
very visceral memory with Will driving in the car. I mean,
I just loved musical theater so much. I think I
love that soundtrack too, because I think as a teenager
growing up, when you're trying to understand your emotions and
the new experiences in your life and looking forward to
(03:52):
what your life will be, it's such like this beautiful
open moment of like in a sense of just like
dreaming big and like I just wanted to be out
in New York. I knew I wanted to be singing
and doing what I loved. I had debated, like, you know,
do I go to school for this and this is
(04:13):
just a hobby? And I was like, no, I really
want to like pursue this, like with all my heart
and all my soul. And I wanted to be in
New York and just like vibing with the energy, like
I think there's no other energy in the world like
the city here, and it just every time I'm here,
it really just stirs my soul in a way that's
really hard to describe. I love just the energy of
(04:36):
walking around with so many other people and just I
don't know, I love who I am here, the inspiration
that I have here, And so I think, just like
when I was belting if Only or whatever that song
is going, I was just dreaming, dreaming of being in
a place like this and getting to do what I love.
(04:58):
And so go and fast.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Forward to that girl to them being in one of
the biggest global groups. Yeah, right, ever that people just
love and you guys mean so much to so many
people and are a part of so many people's memories
and moments that are special to them. Right, And you
guys have been making music with Pentatonics for well over
a decade at this point. Yeah, what do you think
(05:23):
has been a secret to your longevity in this business,
because it's not easy.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Yeah, I think I think it's beautiful that we're a
group of five different individuals because we're drawing different influences
from different places. So I think in that way, we
don't feel super stagnant, I guess. And I also think
that we all have respect for each other, and at
(05:52):
the end of the day, we're all trying to come
together for like the greater good of creating music and
being in Pentatonics, and we all have mutual respect for
each other as people and care about each other as
people Like Scott, Mitch and I went to high school together.
We've known each other for forever too, and Kevin and
Matt are amazing, and I just feel like our personalities
(06:14):
really blend together in a way that maybe other people don't,
and it's harder to get along, you know. And so.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Yeah, when you look at where you guys were in
the beginning on the sing off, right where you are now,
what's been one of the most surreal moments for you?
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Oh? Man? I mean so many, so many, Because I
also feel like what's so wonderful about being in a
group is that everyone has different goals and ideas of
where you should go. And because of that, I think
we've all gotten to experience and try so many different
things that maybe you wouldn't do by yourself, I guess,
(06:54):
you know. But winning a Grammy it was like yeah
and uh, And the Hollywood Walk of Fame star was
like crazy. I so bringing in Will again. I went
to LA for the first time with Will when we
were like sixteen for a friend's birthday, and I remember
(07:18):
like I was like, wow, La, it's so cool, and
we like walked down the Walk of Fame area and
so like that was such just a real thing. It
was somewhere that it wasn't even like a goal. I
just never thought I would ever be, you know. And
so that is like really special in a different way.
It's like not maybe achieving the dream you've always wanted,
it's being like, wow, I never even dreamed this for myself.
(07:41):
So to be here is like mind blowing, you know.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Yeah, and like forever cemented yeah in the world.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
In an honor too, it's just yeah, that's.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Amazing, that's incredible. I have to I can't have you
here and not say that your version of Hollylujah is
like one of the most breath taking things I've ever
heard in my life. And then when you come on,
I might pretend that's like me singing belting it out,
you know, like there might be a music video moment
in my head. It's just so good. It it's so
(08:10):
good and you just kill that song. Does that song
have special meaning for you? Was that a cool moment
to create a song that so many people have covered
and released on their own.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Yeah, I mean, I just I love that everyone, like
you get all the voices singing, like having a verse
and getting to a mote in a different way. And
I feel like those are my favorite songs that we
do where you get a sense of everyone's heart, like
they're creating what that story is for them, and then
we're all coming together in the end. And I don't know.
(08:41):
I mean, I think that song is really beautiful because
it transcends any year or moment, it can relate, It
can be about so many different things in your life.
But I think overall, I love that it's brought me
and other people when we hear their stories, it's brought
them peace and comfort and whatever are going through. And
I can say that about like things, moments in my life,
(09:04):
or even just like moments when you're exhausted with work
or travel or tour or whatever it is. Sometimes just
singing that song on stage with everyone is healing in
that way too, within whatever's going on there, you know
what I mean.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
M Yeah, And to your point, people connect with it
and other songs in such different ways and have a
reason why they feel it, you know.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Yeah, yeah, it's really beautiful.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
So you get stopped the most for a particular song
over and over again.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Maybe Hallelujah, Yeah yeah, or mm like Mary did you
know comes up a lot? Or the other really random
one is like Sesame Street when we did something that
something on Sesame Street. We did like a Numbers song.
And it's so crazy that people will be like, I'm
I'm in college and I remember seeing you on Sesame
(09:56):
Street and I was like, you're in college? What do
you mean? What do you mean?
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Right? That's yeah, I mean you guys transcend multi generations
of people. Yeah, it's so cool too, And I love
that you started with friends like you mentioned Scott and
Mitch and you all ye went to school together and
came up together. How have friendships in the group evolved
over time.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
I mean they've really evolved into like family. And I
think with family, like sometimes you're like hanging out all
the time, and sometimes you're like, all right, we need
a second away from each other. And I think now
we're at this beautiful place where we all we're also
grown up, like we have like husbands and wives and kids,
and you know, and we all respect and give each
(10:37):
other space. But when we come together, we're all still like,
oh my gosh, like catching up and having fun. And
it might not be like h every weekend we're like
doing something maybe like we used to, but it's still
very like positive and supportive and and nice. And I
think we're also just all really proud of each other
(10:57):
because we've gotten to see each other in so many
different phases of life, good and bad. And we're all
all five of us in like such a really happy,
beautiful place. And that's really nice to see because fourteen years,
like that's not always going to be the case, just naturally,
you know. And so I'm so happy that now everyone's
(11:18):
in like a really lovely place, and so we all
love and support that for each other too, and.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
You said a really big word, respect, And you can't
have a healthy relationship, either friendship or romantic without having that.
I think it's so important. Yeah, people forget that, right,
but when you truly respect somebody, I mean it can
only go up. Like there might be bumps along the way,
but you communicate in a way that's like not offensive
(11:43):
and awful.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Yeah. Absolutely, So it's great. I love like where we're
at right now. I feel like it's really positive and
it's fun to be able to see each of us
get to do and carry out the dreams that we've
always wanted too. Like I think before and like the
grind season of Pentatonics, it was like Pedatonics are nothing.
There was no time to really get to do anything else.
(12:08):
But you know, everyone's making music or Broadway or creating
musicals or doing like all this stuff. And so it's
really beautiful. Scott dancing with the stars, you know. Yeah,
so it's awesome and.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
You all show up for each other, yeah, which is
really cool. Yeah, Yeah, it's so important. It's so important.
We talked about what fans like music wise, We talked
about what I like music wise. You guys have done
pop country, I mean the list goes on and on
holiday all sorts of different genres for you. Is there
a song you've covered that is particularly meaningful?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Hmmm, Yeah, I really love all our like more emotional ballads.
There's a song called My Heart with You that I
really love. It's originally by the Rescues. It's kind of
I don't know if a lot of people know about it,
(12:57):
but I love that it came around a time where
I really needed that song honestly too, in like a
in like a healing grief kind of way. And it's
really beautiful and really poetic, and I found that one,
like honestly like that. That one, to me is kind
of like my Hallelujah, where the words just mean so
(13:21):
much to me and can kind of like fluctuate to
different things, continue to do it. And also that song
was just like really important timing ways for me.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
Were you did you have to say in bringing that
song to life or it just happened to be.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
Yeah, I'm I did. I We've always loved that song,
Like I remember, it was like one of the first
songs that we all together as a group were like,
we love this song so much. And then we did
our album Evergreen which was more like folky indie, and
so we were like, let's what can we do? And also,
because we do so many Christmas songs, we're like, what
can kind of become a Christmas song that's not you know,
(13:57):
maybe the same Christmas songs we've already done, And so
we chose that one and I was I was so
happy because I love that song so much.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Oh my god, amazing. I think a lot of people
are going to go, yeah, the Little God listen now.
And to put a pin on this part of the conversation,
do you ever get tired of Christmas?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
No?
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Like you love it?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
You're all in I you know, I will say originally
I was a Halloween girly, okay, and so when we
first were like dipping toes into Christmas, I was like,
I mean, Halloween still reigns supreme, But but I love
Christmas to be honest, I really do. And I the
tour is always so fun because it's just all good vibes,
Like it's that time of the year everyone just wants
(14:36):
to enjoy and have a good time, and everyone's coming
and like sparkly clothes and just like ready to just
like soak in Christmas. You know, and I love it. Honestly,
it's so it's so fun.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
God, it's it must be fun to cover so many
gen and dip your feet into so many different things.
Now being Broadway your latest venture, right, that's why you're
here in New York. You made your Broadway debut with
Kinky Boots, so this is your second show, right. But man,
six the musical it's so good. I saw it a
few years ago. I love it. It's camp, it's fun.
(15:19):
Why were you like this is the show for me?
I gotta do this one.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
I just think it's so awesome. Like it's just I
was gonna say a curse word, sorry, and then I
stopped my Okay, I wasn't saying it's so badass.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Yeah you could say anything all the show.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
I didn't know. Do you see my brain? Stop? It
was like, can I do it? But I think it's
hilarious that it's like five Pentatonics and I'm going to
a show called six and I'm trading in the boys
for girls. I love it. It makes me laugh. But
I just love that you get to celebrate all these
different styles of music, and each queen is like a
whole different pop star and it's just really really fun.
(15:56):
And yeah, I saw it too, and I hadn't seen
it when it first came out, but when I saw it,
I was like laughing, I was crying. It was everything,
and it's like in a cute little hour and a
half moment and it's just like the best.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
It blends pop with musical theater. Yeah, so I feel
like you're a pro at. I mean did Did that
just seem like an easy fit for you?
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Yeah? I mean easy because there's a lot of choreography
in terms of like being on stage and like not
necessarily leaving and doing a cappella for like two hours.
I was like, Okay, well that's a good transition in
but there is so much choreography because when you're not
doing your like Queen hero song in your moment, you
are a backup dancer for everyone. And so that is
(16:36):
a new thing for me. But it's so fun. It's
like such a fun challenge and I'm excited and I'm
gonna protect my knees as much as I can and
my body, but I'm really excited.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Did you grow up dancing or no, sort of.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
I took dance like when I was like three to ten,
eleven ish, but then I stopped because I fell in
love with like theater and music, and I started doing
more activities that were geared towards that than like competitive
dance world you know, so kind of but not really.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Yeah, Like if there's ever an audition, I'm not going
to the dancer call, I'm going to the mover call.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
Okay, yeah yeah, yeah. Well that's amazing though. You're challenging
yourself and it's something new to conquer, right, Yeah, and
that's that I know. As an artist keeps like the
juice is flowing. You never want to be like who
you were yesterday, right, You want to keep evolving and growing.
Do you get nervous before and opening night?
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Yes? I will be very nervous. Yeah, I will be
very nervous.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
Even though you're performing in front of tens of thousands
of people all the time in your group, like, you
still get nervous.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Yes, It depends. It depends what it is, like if
it's a show with Pentatonics, like what it's for, sometimes
I'll get nervous or honestly, I get nervous when it's
like a hometown show or like and it's like my
mom my family, and teachers that have known me, like
in a way where I'm like, I want to do
a good job, so I like I make people proud
or I feel good about it or I'm like yeah, look,
(18:06):
you know, but I will be nervous for six because
it's so much information and a lot of this sometimes too,
but but yeah, and I mean this for me, like
Broadway is just what I've This is like my like
return to kid Kirsty self, like my biggest dream, you know.
(18:27):
And so this is like such an important thing to
me that I hold super sacred and like definitely want
to do a good job at because I respect and
love it so much.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
You know, have you had a moment in this whole
process leading up to opening night where you just like
stopped and looks around and got emotional for some reason.
Speaker 2 (18:45):
Yes, honestly this is gonna sound like so cheese. But
the end the end of six, like we're singing and
and you're like looking out of the audience and just
kind of taking it all in. And I was like,
this is going to make me cry, and I and
I thought later like when I when I leave this show, like, oh,
(19:07):
this is a section that I'll cry at. But even
coming into the show and I'm not even in it yet,
I was like, oh, I'm getting a little emotional. I
don't know why, but it's just really special. I think
like the content of the show is just really special too.
It's celebrating everyone's stories and lifting them up and giving
a voice to those who didn't feel like they had
a voice and didn't really at the time that way,
(19:28):
you know. And so it's a really special show.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
And you're thinking of that little you, right, So Ye're
a mermaid in the car leading up to this moment,
and yes, you've done so much from then to now,
but this hits differently. It's it's like your original dream.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Yeah, yeah, I really does. And so I'm just really
happy to be out here and excited to share the
stage with such powerhouse women.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
And yeah, how do you push fear aside to not
get in your way when you're doing something like this.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
It's so hard. I mean, I think, I'm so glad
for the rehearsal time, and i feel like I'm in
a really good place where like the next because I
have one more week until I'm in, We're I'll really
be able to like dial it in. I think just
like being as prepared as possible, so that way you're
not your brain isn't also thinking about what you need
(20:21):
to do, which could also instigate fear. Like as prepared
as you are, as the better. So it's just like
second nature in your body. Yeah, And I mean I
always try to, like I always tell people like, yeah,
I'm just try to like really take a deep breath
and center yourself. But in six you are moving constantly,
(20:41):
so it is hard to even just catch your breath.
So it's going to be an experience for me.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Are you the type of person that like can leave work,
turn it off, and go about your day night, or
are you like constantly thinking about Okay, my song, my
melody at that move, Like when you're prepping for something
like this and when you're in it, do you have
any sort of balance or is it kind of always
on for you?
Speaker 2 (21:05):
Yeah? I mean, honestly, this balance has been interesting because
it's unlike a tour because I have two kiddos, and
unlike a tour where it's like just a certain amount
of weeks and we have an amazing Tornadi come out
and help and all that, Like we all are together
in the house and so when I come home, as
(21:27):
I kind of like study on the train and then
study when they go down to sleep if my brain
still has like activity to take anything new in. But
besides that, I'm like mommy at home, you know. And
so Broadway was already hard when I came out the
first time, and I was by myself and knowing when
to recover and rest and do all that. So it'll
(21:49):
be a learning experience doing it now when I can't
really just like turn off when I go home, you know.
So I'm finding that I don't know what that is yet.
But there's another mom that is in the cast, Anna,
and she so I'm looking forward to speaking with her
and seeing how she does it too, because she is
a Kiddoh.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
Man, you guys are superheroes like moms who who balance
all of this. It's my head is off to you.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Yeah. I think it's a lot.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Yeah, it is a lot, and you're doing it.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:19):
And what a great example for your kids, you know,
like go after your dreams and you can still you
can still make it work and not always be easy. Yeah,
you know, you can do it.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Yeah. And I think that's really important to me and
important to show the kids and I'm just thankful that
my husband is amazing and we both are very like,
you know, we'll always support each other if you're doing
something like forty sixty or seventy thirty or you know
whatever that dial is like, we're very supportive of each other.
(22:48):
And so that's really beautiful too. I'm very blessed.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
That's amazing. That's amazing. I always say, you want to have,
whether it's a friend or partner, like hype people in
your life. Yeah, you know, I want that for my friends.
I want to be that person for them and for
my husband and for everyone in my life. So I
think that's it makes life a little easier when you
can find that.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Yeah, definitely, Yeah, definitely. And then just positive vibes too,
like honest positive vibes than someone being in your life
that's negative.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Yeah, no time for that.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
No, we're done with that. No.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
Oh yeah, no, I have no tolerance for that.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
No.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
I'm an Italian from Jersey and I'm like, don't like
that energy.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
We're done well, honestly and too. Since having kids, I
feel like my boundaries are so much better than they've
ever been before. I feel like I was just like more,
go with the flow or I don't know, making I
don't want to say excuses, but just like yeah, this
is fine or whatever. And now I'm like, Okay, no,
we're not going to do this, and like I only
have so much time and attention and what I can do,
(23:45):
like with my kids and with work and with my
dreams and my goals, and so now I feel very
like set and it's nice. It's nice to be in
that place, you know, for you, good for you.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
When I have people like you on the show who
have done so much and who have a job that
a lot of dreamers out there who are listening can't
even comprehend being at that level one day. They want it,
but it's like, oh my god, I can't even imagine
being at that level, you know, peak performance. What advice
do you have for those dreamers out there, those artists
(24:18):
out there, those up and comers who want to be
where you are one day?
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Yeah, I mean, I think just continue to go forward
and try to do as much as you can. Obviously,
I think like it's so hard to step out of
your comfort zone. I can look back on like a
hundred times in the past where I wish I would
have set out of my comfort zone a little more
to like learn something new, like a new nochal my belt.
(24:43):
But I think just tries me things you can because
you'll never know what will excite you that maybe you
didn't expect for yourself. And I also think that as
a creative nothing is linear and like you don't have
a linear path in that way, and so because of that,
you can give yourself grace to authentically experience what you're
(25:06):
experiencing at the time. If you want to push yourself
when you're like, you know what, I want to write
a song every single day, that's amazing and that's great.
But if you're like, you know what, I'm in a
rut and I don't want to listen to music for
the entire week because I kind of am just had enough.
Like I think that's okay too, and everyone's journey is different,
(25:26):
I know, Like for me, like if I've ever had
that feeling, there was literally a time where I like
wasn't listening to music in the car at all and
it was just silent, and I was like, this is
so strange because that used to be my like, you know,
I don't know, being in the car and celebrating and
singing and Little Mermaid and all that, and but you know,
and then it came back and so it's like, don't
(25:47):
overthink what maybe you need mentally at the time and
as a creative like you ebb and flow and so.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Yeah, do you think Miss VICKI would be pretty proud
of you right now?
Speaker 2 (26:03):
I think so, yeah, I hope.
Speaker 1 (26:04):
So for all the listeners out there, Miss Vicky.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Is too my teacher, my first choir teacher from like kindergarten,
the Holy Rosary Catholic School.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
I just dropped the Miss Vicky.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
I know we're gonna have to text her and she's
gonna be like, oh my gosh, I was mentioned.
Speaker 1 (26:21):
That's incredible.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
It's amazing.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
But remember like you know, remember you back then with
Miss Vicky. Yeah, like even at that young age singing
and performing and.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Oh yes, I was giving full Canter you mass Oh yes,
that soprano. Oh yeah, yeah, we're giving full currier.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
Oh my god, that's amazing. That's amazing. Is it fun
for you because you do have this crazy, incredible soprano
to now be like belting it out, Like have you
always wanted to be belting it out?
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Yeah? I mean I think that's what's fun too, like
by trying some many different things or school or whatever,
like getting to experience different parts of your voice that
you didn't know that you have that then return like
like I've been belting that. But we even just for
this last tour with Pentatonics, I did a Rosalia cover
of Mio Cristo pianga dia monte and it's an Italian
(27:13):
and she hits this like high operatic note at the end,
and that was fun to kind of like bring back
because I haven't really been singing like that in a
long time too, and it's just fun to flex those
different muscles. And I always admire like singers or creatives
that like don't just stay in one lane two, whether
(27:35):
that means like they did Broadway, they're doing movies and
TV and voiceovers and all that stuff. I feel like
it's so fun to experience all those different things, and
so it's something I've always wanted to keep with me
as well.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
Yeah, you just triggered like ten questions.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Okay, yeah to you.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
Okay, for like a leading lady on Broadway and like
an iconic leading lady role, what you'd be like, I
want to do that, I'd slay it.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
Well, I've always my one of my big goals to do.
I've always wanted to be a Vida.
Speaker 1 (28:15):
I was thinking of. I'm like, I wonder if she's
gonna say yes.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
I've always I love the music. I mean, it's amazing
and Rachel's amazing. I'm so excited it's coming here so
i can see her because she's fantastic. So yeah, that
would be big. That would be huge that I would
love that. I mean, Eponine and Lemis would be awesome too.
That would be wonderful. Yeah, whatever, what do you think
(28:41):
of alphab is so hard? I would give you like
a for one night only?
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Or are you more of a Glinda? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
I don't know. I've always thought alpha BA, but I
don't know.
Speaker 1 (28:57):
You could do it.
Speaker 2 (28:58):
I could do it, I can maybe, I don't know.
Somewhat a long time ago was like, you could be
Christine and Phantom. I was like, I don't know if
it's saying that. I that's intense, that's intense. I love Phantom.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
Too, so good. And you brought up you know, artists
staying in different lanes and not being in a box
movies and TV. Have you thought about that?
Speaker 2 (29:19):
Yeah, I mean, my my other big goal would be
to be a Disney princess. I'm waiting for Disney and
just to ask me.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
Yeah, in like a live action or like.
Speaker 2 (29:30):
Animation, and I feel like true animation is fun. But
I would do I mean, I would do either. But
that's just so fun because I feel like Disney and
all those movies is what like made me fall in
love with music, and then it turned into musical theater
and then it you know, and so it's just so
(29:51):
fun and I love it. I love watching Disney movies.
I I did it even before I had my daughter. Yeah,
I was like waiting for her to get old enough
to be like, I want to watch Frozen too. I'm like, yes,
I love Frozen too. That was like my COVID dopamine
(30:12):
happy show. I watched it nauseum, which is an interesting choice,
but it brought me joy. I needed it.
Speaker 1 (30:18):
So maybe you were manifesting something in that world. We'll see. Yeah, oh,
and you brought up your kiddos. Of course, you're a
mom of two, balancing everything that you're doing. How has
your perspective of success and ambition shifted or changed? It's
(30:41):
becoming a mom?
Speaker 2 (30:42):
Yeah, I mean I think it's shifted in a really
great way. Honestly, I think I, like I said earlier,
I'm able to draw better boundaries. I'm able to just
even though like life is so hectic and there's so
much more is demanded of me, I'm able to now
to see where to put my energy in and what
(31:03):
to release and let go of and what to take in.
I only have so much time, so I'm really selective
with like where I put my time or my love
or my energy into, whether that's like career goals or
people or whatever that is, you know. And I feel, honestly,
(31:24):
even though, yeah, like having like a nearly four year
old and a one year old is like, think of
it crazy, Like I do feel more grounded in a
different way that I didn't feel before them. And I
think it is because when you have kids, you just
time is such a weird construct and suddenly it's going
(31:46):
by so fast or you don't have enough of it,
and it's like so you're really just more diligent about
like where you put your energy. And I'm thankful to
that too, because I think it's just made me a
better person and it's making me want to show up
in a way, in a positive way, I guess for them.
Speaker 1 (32:06):
I think it's always important, in my opinion, to have
other things to live for besides work. Yeah, right. And
I also think as an artist, that shapes your artistry.
Speaker 2 (32:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
Yeah, it's like a beautiful full circle thing.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
Yeah, and it just regrounds you too in terms of
like what's important too. I think sometimes you can get
lost in like what you think is important or what
you think you need to do to get to a
goal you want, versus just being authentic into where you are,
(32:40):
I guess, and still working hard and having things come
in that way versus forcing them, I guess, you know.
And yeah, I feel like even with with six, like
I auditioned for it two years ago and didn't it
didn't work out then, and then when it came back,
I just felt this like joy of being like, you know,
that's so nice because sometimes when you're just like throwing
(33:02):
auditions into the wind and you're like, all right, I
guess that just is in the ether wherever, and it's
not on anyone's desk and it's just gone, you know.
So the fact that it came back while I was
still able to like show up in my motherhood and
show up for Pentatonics and all those things just brings
me a lot of joy that, like the work that
you put in is still really important and it doesn't
just get kind of lost and left behind, you know.
(33:24):
So that feels really really good as well.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
You know that's amazing that two years ago you audition
and it just it's role. Yeah yeah, And were you
like heartbroken? That was sad, yeah, yeah, yeah, but you
did not let that stop you from going after it again. Yeah,
which is interesting.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
Yeah, why because I love it? Yeah, I love rejection
and I'm just kidding no, I love it. I and
and again, like anything with Broadway or just it's it's
a whole different thing. I think, like Pentatonics is so
wonderful and beautiful, like the harmonies and everything, but to
be able to like put your heart and soul into
(34:04):
a character in a storyline, like I feel like I
my strength or what I love to do is storytell
and and emote and share those emotions. And I love
being able to step into roles or sing songs that
have that meaning where I get to do that versus
(34:26):
I think like I did solo music for like a second,
and I loved it because I felt like the songs
that I did were very authentic to me at the time,
the stories I was telling, but in terms of like
advocating for myself as like everyone, go check out my
song this, Like I don't know if that's like me
versus just being like, this is a beautiful story that
(34:47):
I want to share and tell, and like I love
like writing for other artists and stuff too. But does
that make sense? I don't know.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Yeah. Yeah, it's a different feeling, you know, and you
feel your calling is more towards It feels like a
collective effort, a team effort, like yeah, it's you. Look
you feel how you feel like soul tho. Stuff you
were doing wasn't fulfilling every part of you. You're like, Okay,
I'm gonna go do what will like Broadway? Yeah yeah,
that's amazing. Oh my god, I could. I could talk forever.
(35:15):
But to wrap up this conversation, the name of the
show is called I've never said this before, And I
started this because I cover a lot of red carpets
and premieres, and you know, I get two minutes with people,
that's how it is on a carpet, and it's so
quick and I would walk away being like, I'm not fulfilled.
I feel like who I was talking to wasn't fulfilled.
It's just like an assembly line. And I wanted to
(35:35):
welcome people in and have a safe space to share
something meaningful that you don't always get a chance to share.
So that's how that concept was born. So is there
something you've never said before that you want to share today?
Speaker 2 (35:52):
I know, I was like, there's so many There's so
many things I've never said before. I think I don't
know I want to say anything like too controversial. I
you know, we just we were in Europe with Pentatonics,
(36:15):
and the culture there is so beautiful and wonderful, and
everyone speaks different languages. It's super celebrated out there. I
grew up my parents didn't learn Spanish and teach me Spanish.
There was like a time of like not embracing that
and kind of like assimilating and and I hope that
(36:37):
as a collective in America we can go back to
being like, you know, being bilingual and sharing everyone's cultures
and languages is like so beautiful and important. And I
think that it's a disservice to everyone to not if
we don't have like such an open minded view for it,
you know, because to be able to go travel and
(37:00):
explore and see all these different places and the holidays
and the traditions that they have is just like so beautiful.
And I hope that everyone gets to feel like they
can share who they are, you know, and not hide it.
I think like that's so sad, and I wish that
that would have been more embraced when I grew up,
(37:22):
so that I could I've had that, I guess, you know, yeah,
I think it's I think it's too bad when someone
feels like they have to hide a part of themselves
to be accepted into anywhere. That can go for a
lot of things, right, you know. And so it's something
that I always want to teach my children, you know,
(37:45):
and maybe bring back for them in a different way
and for them to be proud of who they are
and where they've come from.
Speaker 1 (37:51):
Thank you for sharing that. It's a good reminder for
us all. And I think if anyone can do it
for your kids, it's you. You seem to do what
you want to do and make it happen. So I
think it's very amiable and my god, I am so
excited to see you in six You're like, I will
be their front row, screaming, going crazy and cheering you on.
Speaker 2 (38:11):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (38:11):
We're going to make it happen. So you are in
the show till.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
When June one, August ninth.
Speaker 1 (38:15):
Okay, so everybody get your tickets, go see you crush
it because I know you are, and we're going to
continue cheering you on. Thank you so much, Thank you,
my friend. This has been lovely.
Speaker 3 (38:27):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by Me Tommy Dedario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by Me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
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