Karina Iglesias, who is part of Adam Levine’s team on this season of NBC's "The Voice," is a teacher at a music school in Pembroke Pines.
She has been teaching at Pines Music Studio for about three years, and on Monday night her students and dear friends got together and watched her battle against Judith Hill, singing "It's a Man's Man's Man's World."
When push came to shove, Levine did not select Iglesias, opting for the more seasoned vocalist, Hill, who used to duet with the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
But in an 11th-hour move, pop star Shakira saved Iglesias, clearing the way for her to return in next week’s round 3.
"She has worked for this for so many years,” said Iglesias’ partner, Jacquie Shapiro-Iglesias. “The music is in her blood, it’s what she was born to do, so I'm really, really happy for her that she got this opportunity."
The students at Pines Music Studio decorated its windows with messages for Iglesias, prepared “Team Karina” T-shirts and made posters in preparation for the watch party.
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The school also set up a TV and speakers for friends and family of Iglesias who wanted to come and support her.
“It’s been interesting to see how kids connect with her quickly, they want her autograph, and that was before 'The Voice,'” said the studio's owner, Diego Carvajal. “Karina is the best singer that I have ever worked with.”
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Iglesias, whose family is from Honduras, was born and raised in Miami. She has worked with the Miami Dolphins, singing the national anthem at games, has participated in a duet with Franco de Vita and has performed in many venues in Miami.
“It’s been good to know that she’s been so talented and now to have a national audience recognize it,” Carvajal said. “I’m proud of her journey.”
