Steven Spielberg [1]'s remake of West Side Story will feature some powerhouse cast members [2] like Rita Moreno and Ansel Elgort, but Hollywood newcomer Rachel Zegler [3] is taking on perhaps the film's most important role. The 17-year-old high school student will be the film's leading lady, Maria, opposite Elgort's Tony. You'll understand how she nabbed the exciting role after a quick listen to her breathtaking voice.
"I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast," Zegler said in a statement [4] in January. "West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community."
In a sea of 30,000 submissions, Zegler participated in an online casting call and sent in videos of herself singing "Tonight" and "Me Siento Hermosa/I Feel Pretty" from the movie-musical. While fans haven't gotten a chance to hear these specific versions, Zegler does have a YouTube channel full of incredible covers, including a few of our favourites from the A Star Is Born soundtrack [5]. Prepare yourself to be wowed by her vocal talents, and check out the videos of her singing ahead.
