From Carnegie to the Grammys: A Precious New Chapter
- DREYA STARR
- Jan 8
- 6 min read
Happy New Year!!!✨
May 2026 bring blessings, growth, and prosperous surprises. I hope you, dear reader, have been doing so well.
The second half of 2025 was an absolute whirlwind for me... mostly beautiful, exciting moments, plus a few cool gigs. I’ll catch you up on everything, but first, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. For supporting me, reading this, and following my journey.
Big Feelings, Big Places
My last Starrlog was written right before my Carnegie Hall debut, and it was fantastic! This time around, I also fell in love with New York City. That trip was more than inspiring, it strengthened my connection with myself. I had delicious food and went to Central Park with friends, and explored Times Square, just me, myself, and I, and it ended up being gratifyingly grounding.
Before our performance at Carnegie, Mr. Davis (our choir director) asked each of us to choose a word to cherish. Mine was “precious.” It appears in the first movement of Unity: Songs of Legacy, composed by fellow EHS alumni, award-winning Ethan Soledad.
“precious oil poured on the head”... Psalm 133:1–3
That word felt especially fitting because it connected directly to my role in the musical film Mendel’s Messiah. In the film, I played Mary of Bethany, known for anointing Jesus. And at the same time, I was reading The Lord of the Rings, where “precious” carries its own iconic weight.
I pondered the word precious. While I didn’t have one big epiphany, I did feel my appreciation deepen for everything sacred and beautiful, and for those key moments that shape us.
When I returned from NYC, I jumped back into work with the Mendel’s Messiah cast and crew at Robot Studios, and it was magnificent. Robot is the most impressive studio I’ve ever had the luck to work in, truly state-of-the-art, with an atmosphere that felt both focused and full of heart. I met so many talented people who have been building this project for years, and as a newcomer, I felt genuinely welcomed and inspired.
The producers, Jeremiah and Wendy Ginsberg, are truly angels on earth. I’m so grateful, not only for their artistry, but for the mission they’ve invited me into. Being on set, surrounded by massive cameras, passionate collaborators, and the joy of teamwork was surreal in the best way. And seeing how the LED screens can transport you anywhere in the universe? Pure magic.
In July, I took a trip with a dear friend to Mexico City, my top listening city. We stayed at a ranch resort, where we rode horses through the mountainous countryside. The whole experience felt timeless, like the world slowed down for a few days. The mountain air was crisp and energizing, carrying hints of wild rosemary and other abundant herbs. We even got caught in a hailstorm! We were pelted by balls of ice and felt ridiculous just sitting there in horse sized ponchos as ice bounced off our cowboy hats, but at the end of the day we laughed and somehow thrived in it.
On our last day, we took an excursion to the pyramids of Teotihuacan. We were able to climb partway up the Pyramid of the Moon, and, encouraged by my friend, I sang a little tune. We were both stunned by how far my voice carried across the entire site. It felt like everything else went quiet. My voice rang out, and for a moment, the world stood still. Ethereal doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Some people began recording, but a park ranger eventually approached and let us know that a performance like that requires a permit through the cultural center. Looking back, I completely understand why. It did create a scene... my voice and presence were undeniably magnetic. I never posted the footage because they asked me not to, and I respect reasonable rules. But the experience itself felt too meaningful not to share with you in some way. Hopefully, one day soon, I’ll be able to travel the world, recreate that magnanimous atmosphere, with permission, and actually share moments like that with you. For now, it lives as an inspiring memory, and an unforgettable story.
To wrap up the summer, I got to go to Bolivia for the first time! I was invited to sing at their fashion week, where I got to sing on the runway with Rosita Hurtado's mesmerizing Roses collection. I sang the Flower Duet from Lakmé as a solo with chamber orchestra, and some of my original works as well. Rosita is a fabulous designer who has been extremely gracious with me. I have been able to feature her gowns in all of my music videos, as well as special events. She is wonderful, not only as a designer, but as a person! I also added a few concerts to my list over the summer including Kali Uchis, Sabrina Claudio (another EHS alumni) and several classical music recitals.
Anthems and Afterglow
With the fall came gigs that connected me even more deeply with my fellow Colombians living abroad. I was invited to sing at the Colombian Networking Anniversary, and the leader of the movement, Hernán Orjuela, also invited me to perform at the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce Miami Gala. That night, I had the honor of singing the Star-Spangled Banner and the Colombian National Anthem, I performed a cover of one of Fonseca’s greatest hits, “Arroyito,” and I got to share some of my original music as well.
The gala marked a milestone for me. I felt a real breakthrough in my interpretation of the Star-Spangled Banner by finding a way to honor its tradition while letting my operatic crossover style land with more warmth and soul. And singing the Colombian anthem was surreal, because the entire room sang along with me. It felt like a sea of connection... my voice guiding us through our country’s gorgeous melody, and everyone meeting me there, together.
For me, the holiday season starts in October. Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of year because I love dressing up and going out, whether it’s for candy or for dancing. This year, a friend and I dressed up as leopards, one of my go-to costumes, which I’ve done some version of for years.
Around the same time, I got myself a new car as a birthday gift, and goodness knows it was time. I managed to land a great deal even though I went to the dealership alone, and my new ride is absolutely precious. I named him Ray “Pinky” Starrdust because he looks like a manta ray, catches a pink shimmer in the sunlight, and, of course, he’s my little fleet on earth. I find something amazing about my mini everyday, including the fact that my seat has a massage option! I totally swooned when I found that feature because they didn't even mention it at the dealer. LOL
Then the real holiday season began, and it came with some meaningful milestones. I started singing regularly at the most beautiful non-denominational church I’ve ever experienced, and I also had my debut with the South Florida Symphony! I performed a set of villancicos, including a zarzuela-esque arrangement of “Los Peces en el Río” by Scott Gendel. This is a holiday song I’ve been singing with my family for as long as I can remember, and sharing something so rooted in my childhood, in that professional setting, felt full-circle in the most special way.
And in the middle of all that, I officially became a voting member of the Recording Academy! I attended the Florida Chapter Member Celebration, where I saw dear colleagues and even ran into a cousin. It’s funny how small the world can feel inside the corners of something so huge. I was genuinely happy to be there, surrounded by industry professionals in a stunning setting, and it felt like a tiny taste of what’s ahead. I’ll be attending the GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles for the first time. I’m going as a voting member with a focus in the classical fields, and I can’t wait to see what this trip has in store.
To close out the year, I performed on New Year’s Eve at The Moore in Miami’s Design District, and what a finale it was. That night felt like a true shedding, of inhibitions, of old reservations, of anything that kept me from fully owning the stage. I was invited to be the female lead in a story of self-empowerment and decadent, luminous expression.
I opened the night with my original song “Evaechizo,” accompanied by an improvised performance from the phenomenal dancer Gabriel Croom. Later, I even got to weave in a bit of operatic improvisation during the final song. And the host of the evening was Carmit from the Pussycat Dolls, which was honestly so fun to witness up close. The atmosphere was pure Miami magic, glamorous, electric, and exactly the kind of whirlwind to welcome a new year with.
So here we are... galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse with hearts lit, eyes forward, and music leading the way! I hope you enjoy the gallery below :)
Love,
Dreya Starr
Comments