34 Random Questions with Angel Blue

Photo by Sonya Garza

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

I love the people. Everyone I've met here has been so cool!

What’s your favorite non-opera genre to sing? 

I really like jazz, but I'd have to say gospel, because that's what I grew up singing.

What’s a makeup tip you learned from competing in the Miss America Organization? 

The most important thing I can tell you about makeup are three things: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. 

"My mom sent this photo of me at age 2 as a reminder that I'll always be her baby girl." - Angel Blue

Describe yourself in three words. 

Compassionate, fun, and—a lot of people don't know this—shy.

What would be your dream role? 

My dream role is Violetta in La traviata, what I'm doing now!

What’s the coolest thing about your mentor, Plácido Domingo?

He's fun. A lot of people think he might be uptight because he's so famous, but, and I mean this with utmost respect, he's a dude and that's cool!

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Don't be stressed about things coming up in the future, and spend as much time as you can with your dad; (my father sadly passed away quite suddenly more than a decade ago).

Angel Blue as Violetta in Seattle Opera's La traviata. Photos by Philip Newton and Jacob Lucas

What are you doing immediately after this interview? 

I have nothing in my refrigerator, so I'm going to QFC or Safeway; my husband gets in on Friday and he's going to show up and not have anything to eat!

What’s your most humbling moment as an artist. 

So many. I can't pinpoint one, I'm just very grateful for the talent that I've been given. 

Most memorable career moment? 

Probably in 2015 when I started working for the BBC as a presenter. 

Who’s your favorite Disney princess?

Maybe one day they will make me a Disney princess and I can say 'me!' No, actually, I think my favorite is probably Pocahontas. 

Name one thing you can’t live without. 

My own dressing room!

What’s one thing you like to have in the rehearsal room? 

I absolutely must have water! 

Who in the opera world makes you starstruck? 

Corinne Winters (the other Violetta in Seattle Opera's La traviata) makes me starstruck! I have been following her career for a long time. 

How did you learn how to make wigs? 

I love hair and makeup, so wigs—I actually made this one I'm currently wearing—just came because I'm tired of spending money on them. I started watching YouTube tutorials and also hanging out more with my mom (she does hair and can weave).

Angel Blue takes a selfie with Maestro Domingo and soprano Micaela Oeste.

What’s your favorite ride at Disneyland? 

I love The Matterhorn.

What do you love about your hometown of LA? 

The weather is so good; if there's ever bad weather, it doesn't stay for too long! You can almost always guarantee the sun will be out at some point. 

What was it like singing with Jewel? 

It was super cool. I only sang one song with her, but she was really sweet and very encouraging.

What’s Youth Ablaze? 

A program I started with my sister and brother maybe 10 years ago. It's designed to help inner-city children finish high school. 

Who’s your style icon? 

I don't have one because I'm not stylish! If I did have to choose, however, I'd say my sister Heather, she has great style.

Angel and her husband, Adam, on their wedding day. 

What did you wear at your wedding? 

I sang in the opera Mefistofele at the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden, Germany. And I actually ended up wearing that costume for my wedding. 

What’s the best thing about being married? 

So many things! One of the best things about being married is that I get to spend so much time with my wonderful husband, Adam. Companionship is a wonderful thing about being married...having the person you love feel the same way. 

What’s your most overused phrase? 

That's off the chain! 

If you could live in any era would it be? 

This one. 

Angel and Adam.

What’s something you always travel with? 

My bible. 

What’s the biggest misconception about opera singers? 

That they're arrogant and divas; that they don't want to talk to people, and that they're precious. That's not true. I'm not like that. 

Hey Angel, I have a huge fear of public speaking—do you have any advice for me? 

Yeah, I would say try to memorize whatever it is you have to say and don't worry about it because everyone there is rooting for you.  

What do you think of your character Violetta?

I love her. Right now, she's my best friend. I've been happy to spend a lot of time with her, and I'm happy that she likes spending time with me, too. 

 

"My dad passed away a little over a decade ago, and I will never forget what he taught me! I grew up in classical music because of my father, who was a gospel singer. He was my greatest inspiration." - Angel Blue

I saw you doing some headstands on Instagram—do you have any other hidden talents? 

No, not really. I probably need to go back to doing headstands again because I miss those days. 

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? 

I was dating this guy, and he didn't answer when I was calling and texting him. He always said that he was really busy. So at 7:30pm. I got in my car and drove by his house and honked the horn; he came outside and I was like, "You're not busy!"

Angel's hidden talent: headstands! 

What is beauty to you? 

The thing that matters most is what's in someone's heart, because whatever it is that's in your heart, that reflects the words that come out of your mouth, the actions you make every day, the way you treat people. 

You have Cuban roots—can you say something to your Spanish-speaking fans? 

 Hola! Que tal? Estoy muy feliz para estar aquí con Ustedes. He apprendido Español en España, pero mi abuelo es de Cuba. (Hi! What's up? I'm very happy to be here with you. I learned Spanish in Spainsh, but my grandfather is from Cuba).

What keeps you grounded? 

My faith, my family, and the fact that all of the gifts I've been given aren't from me.  

Do you have any parting words for us?

Have fun and stay classy.

"Have fun and stay classy," she says!

There's three more chances to see Angel Blue perform as Violetta in La traviata:

Jan. 18, 22, & 27

Tickets & info:

seattleopera.org/traviata