Mexican soprano opera singer Barbara Padilla has an amazing voice. As first runner-up in the biggest talent competition in the world, America’s Got Talent, season four, Padilla won the hearts of millions with her stunning performance that earned the respect of opera buffs and mainstream music listeners.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Padilla studied music, acting and dance. Following her graduation from the Universidad de Guadalajara, where she studied music instruction and voice, she became the section leader and soloist for the State Choir of Jalisco.
She also has an amazing life story. Soon after graduating, Padilla was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and was told that the radiation treatments may ruin her chance to ever sing again. After several years of treatment and nearly dying, Padilla traveled to Houston to consult with doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center. While there, she auditioned for the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston and was awarded a full scholarship to complete her master’s degree program.
Since then she has earned wide acclaim as a soloist of many symphonic events in the United States, Italy and Mexico. Her repertoire includes operas such as La Boheme, Turandot, Tosca, Madame Butterfly and La Traviata.
When she comes for her pre-holiday visit, Padilla will share her story and her voice with Club members.
To see and hear Padilla perform, press the arrow on the YouTube video below.
