Leslie Grace is back, and she’s not just making music; she’s stepping into a whole new vibe. Her vibrant new single, "Ayayay," perfectly shows off this bold chapter. It’s all about finding herself, feeling good in her own skin, and making art exactly how she wants.
"I’ve been letting myself just go with the flow of life," the 30-year-old artist shared with Us Weekly en Español. "For so long, I tried to control everything, to think through every little thing. But now, I’m really open to love, to my feelings, and to being creative in a much bigger way."
This Dominican-American singer and actress is getting ready to drop her first full album in 12 years. She’s blending her musical roots with fresh sounds. Think R&B meets tropical pop, all told in English and Spanish.
Between practicing for shows, recording in the studio, and filming her next movie, Leslie took a moment to create a special playlist. She called it "Make Us a Mixtape." These are the songs that shaped her art, bring back childhood memories, and even make her shed a tear.
An Idol’s Song That Always Inspires Her
"Run to You" by Whitney Houston.
Honestly, any song by Whitney does the trick. Just hearing her voice lights me up. She had THE voice. Her singing was so natural; nobody could touch it. She just let her amazing gift flow so easily.
The Song That Gets Her Ready Before a Show
"Strength, Courage & Wisdom" by India.Arie.
People might think I pump myself up before a show, but I actually do the opposite. I’m an introvert, so I like to calm down. This song is spot on, both in its words and its beat, to help me get my head straight.
A Song That Instantly Brings Back Summer Memories
"In the Heights" from In the Heights.
When we filmed In the Heights, that was, hands down, the best summer of my life. It was also the summer right before COVID hit, so now it feels even more special. Summer in New York City is just… something else.
A Song She Grew Up Singing at Home
"Luna" by Ana Gabriel.
That was one of my mom’s absolute favorite artists. Every weekend, we’d clean the house, and Ana Gabriel’s voice would always be playing. Her voice! It just set a whole mood.
A Song She Secretly Loves
"I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" by Britney Spears.
Britney was my very first concert, the first person I ever truly fangirled over. I used to sing this song at karaoke when I was like 10 – can you believe that? My dad always asked for it. Looking back, it’s pretty funny.
The Song That Always Sets the Vibe
"Lifetime" by Maxwell.
This is one of the most romantic songs ever. Maxwell just knows how to make it happen.
A Song That Makes Her Cry Every Single Time
"Still Feel It All" by Amaro.
She sings in Portuguese, Spanish, and English – she’s amazing. Every single time I listen to this song, I cry. Just listen to it and weep. That’s all there is to it.
A Song That Shows Her Dominican Roots
"La Bilirrubina" by Juan Luis Guerra.
It absolutely has to be a song by Juan Luis – or maybe even Fefita La Grande. You hear it, and you just want to get up and dance. That’s my Dominican blood talking.