[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21921″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Check our exclusive interview with Latin-born beauty Tv personality and international singing star Lilian Garcia.
In addition to her 15 year career broadcasting with WWE, Garcia has embarked on a successful singing career, attracting English-speaking and Latino audiences worldwide with two albums including a duet with Jon Seda. She has also sung the national anthem at numerous events for the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, and the US Open.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21922″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Please tell us a little about yourself?
I’m an Army Brat who was raised in Madrid, Spain. I started singing with my sister when I was 5 years old. That’s when I knew I wanted to sing and entertain the rest of my life! At 8 years old, my family and I moved to Columbia, SC. I started singing professional in a band when I was 14 and I graduated Cum Laude from the University of SC at 18. That’s when my journey took me to radio. I was a DJ for 2 years and loved it! From there I moved to NYC where I sang with a 14 piece orchestra and then my own solo show at a Spanish restaurant called Ole’. While I was singing at Ole’, I also took acting classes at Weist Barron and got an agent. That is when the call came from my agent to audition for WWE. That started an amazing 15-year career at WWE where I got to travel the world and use my voice to also sing worldwide. That sums up the first half of my life, and now I can’t wait to see what the other half brings, as my motto is to live life to the fullest!
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life? And Why?
My family!! Their support encouraged me especially when I questioned my talents & abilities. They truly taught me to always put my best foot forward and to enjoy the journey. I’m endlessly grateful to them!
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21923″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
How everything started with you and WWE?
My agent in NY told me about an audition with the WWE so I explored it. I still can’t believe that by choosing to go to that audition, it turned into such a magical career!
Any funny/scary experience that you had in your WWE career?
Yes! Within 2 weeks of each other, during my entrance to the ring, one week my shoe strap broke where I had to take off my shoes and go barefoot to the ring, and the next one in London, I tripped over the pyro cannons that were not supposed to be there. Scary then, but sure is funny now!! LOL J
Now tell us about “Monday Night Raw”?
Monday Night Raw is the flagship show of WWE and LIVE every Monday night. There is nothing like the energy from the fans during this live show! To be hired as the Raw Ring Announcer/Host and end up being involved with this show for 15 years was more than an honor!!
What part of your job did you find the most challenging?
RULES!!! When there were big matches, the rules, a page long, would be handed to me that day, sometimes right before the match. I had to memorize every word exactly as they were written, wow….what pressure!! The pressure came from me because I always wanted to do my best and make the match introductions extremely special!
What is the secret for a long and very successful career like yours?
Be dependable, care about your job, work hard, and above all be grateful for the opportunity! Know that working at WWE is a team effort. The less ego you have, the more you will enjoy the ride. And above all, have fun!!
Now tell us the feeling of singing the National Anthem for so many events?
As an Army Brat, with my father being a retired Lt. Colonel who fought in Vietnam and sacrificed so much for this country, singing the anthem has been my way to say thank you to him and ALL the brave men and women who continue to give of themselves so the rest of us can be “free”. I always feel such pride to sing it for such an amazing country!!
Name one your strengths?
Caring.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Changes all the time, but right now I am crazy about frozen blueberries!! I always end up looking like a Smurf every time I eat them…lol. Speaking of health, I feel it is extremely important to put in the extra effort to eat right & workout. It really is true that you are what you eat, and working out not only keeps you looking good but feeling soooo amazing yourself. In this life, there aren’t many things we have control but taking care of ourselves is one of them! There’s something very empowering about that!!
And your favorite cheat food?
Unfortunately, I have food allergies that don’t allow me to cheat but if I could…..PIZZA!!!!!
Do you have a role model?
My sister, Dalia. Having her as a big sister has been such a blessing. She continues to live her dream and no matter how the day may be going, she finds a way to have a smile on her face! True inspiration
How do you stay fit?
My whole life I have been athletic and involved in all kinds of sports. I have had different workout routines throughout the years including lifting weights, running, jumping rope, boxing, biking, rollerblading, yoga and more. However, almost 3 years ago, I was hit by an SUV as a pedestrian so it took away the ability for me to do many of those sports. That is why I now rely on Pilates on the megaformer as my work out! It’s a way for me to still stay active but in a non-impact way. Don’t kid yourself; it’s a killer workout. Above all, the important thing is, even if you have an injury, find a workout that you can do that excites you to MOVE!!
How do you spend your spare time?
I’ll let you know whenever I have spare time! Haha
What’s your favorite quote?
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars ~ Norman Vincent Peale
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My Phone
Moola
My sense of Humor J
Any future plans you want to share with us?
For now, I will be taking care of my ailing father and taking on work that is close to my home.
Do you support any charity?
YES! I feel it is very important to give back and help others in need. The one’s I currently support are:
Susan G Komen
Connor’s Cure
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
Wounded Warriors
Akron Children’s Hospital
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Riding my bike along the beach with my husband and dog while we make stops along the way at café’s & shops.
What do you think of social media?
Love it because it allows me to stay connected to my beloved fans!!
Where we can follow you?
Twitter – @LilianGarcia
Instagram – @LilianGarcia8
FB – Lilian Garcia Official Fan Page
Song: I’m so eclectic in my taste in music that there is noooo way I can name just one…lol
Travel destination: Anywhere in Europe especially Spain!
Celebrity Crush: Hugh Jackman
Restaurant: La Paella in LA…yum
Actor/Actress: Edward Norton/Sandra Bullock
Book: The Count of Monte Cristo
Movie: My Cousin Vinny
Drink: Salty Dog[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo credit: Snaps Studio
Hair & MUA: Stella Kae[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
