Host:

Images/Imagenes reporter Mara Sanchez is an actress, Latin Jazz singer and journalist. She has appeared in off-Broadway productions and television soap operas including All My Children. For Images/Imagenes, Mara covers major events in New York and New Jersey that highlight the artistic achievement of Latinos.

Nicole Ortiz

My name is Nicole Ortiz, a Peruvian/ Afro-Cuban born in New Jersey. I am an actress/singer who graduated from Arts High School of Fine and Performing Arts in Newark. I have won the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase four times. In 2006, I was a near finalist on American Idol. I have also been featured in theater music productions at Newark’s Symphony Hall and NJPAC. I am the winner of Goya Food’s Joseph F. Unanue Award for Outstanding Achievement and plan to pursue a career as an entertainer. The Road to Stardom gives me a chance to be seen and heard by viewers who love music.

Watch Nicole Ortiz performing in English
Watch Nicole Ortiz performing in Spanish

Sacha Rivera – WINNER

Que tal amigos, my name is Sacha Rivera, a proud Latina of Puerto Rican heritage who loves to see people smile. I represent my Latino heritage with great pride and honor by being a finalist in the Road to Stardom. The word 'music' means happiness, the soothing lyrics and sensational rhythm that transparently touches my heart and soul leaving me breathless. Music has helped me overcome great obstacles in my life. I hope that my voice inspires you to remember the feeling of comfort knowing that no matter what the situation you are going through there is always a bright shiny light at the end of every dark tunnel. By the way, I was a semi-finalist on “Gigantes Del Manana,” a Latino version of “American Idol.”

Watch Sacha Rivera performing in English
Watch Sacha Rivera performing in Spanish

Michael Bello

Saludos. I am Michael Bello, a Cuban American singer, actor and dancer. My dream in life is to perform and/or direct theater. I dedicate my performance on the Road to Stardom to my grandfathers from whom I got my voice and love for singing. I have performed as a soloist and dancer for the Paper Mill Playhouse and in feature roles at the Helen Hayes Theater, John Harms Theatre and the New Benefit Theatre. I hope you enjoy my performance. It is the first time I will use my tenor voice to sing in Spanish.

Watch Michael Bello performing in English
Watch Michael Bello performing in Spanish