The Disney Resorts are places of magic. Whether you go to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” or “The Happiest Place on Earth,” you’re almost guaranteed to have an incredible time because of the work of Disney’s Cast Members. The Disney Parks have myriad rides and attractions that make them a “must-visit,” but the heart of the Disney experience is undoubtedly Disney’s Cast Members. And, per this latest story, it looks like Disney Cast Members are making magic in more than one way.
Disney Parks Blog recently shared that one of Disney California Adventure Park’s Cast Members was on the famous singing show The Voice. Cast Member Alyssa Ibarra was a contestant and kept this fact secret from her fellow Cast Members for eight months. Ibarra, who goes by Ali, wowed judges and the audience with her rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Roberta Flack.
“Another fun fact about me is that I was born deaf,” Ibarra shared. Her profound hearing loss was detected when she was a baby. “My father was a drummer and my parents realized I didn’t even flinch when he was practicing around me.” While her family has tried many remedies, Ali Ibarra relies primarily on lip reading and hearing aids to pick up sounds around her.
24-year-old Ibarra works at the Incredicoaster, in Pixar Pier, and plays gigs whenever she can. She tried out for The Voice twice before and didn’t make it through, but passed the blind auditions on her third try, this time with judges Kelly Clarkson and Chance the Rapper turning around for her.
Judge and singer Kelly Clarkson told Ali Ibarra she was “gifted.” (Spoiler alert, Ibarra did end up going with Team Kelly.)
Ibarra learned how to feel the music using vibrations. She shares, “Music has always been part of me. No matter the obstacle, it didn’t keep me from doing what I was passionate about.” Lisa Ibarra, Ali Ibarra’s mother and also a Disney Cast Member shares, “Ali’s determination and perseverance has never let anything get in the way,” Lisa Ibarra said. “I truly believe my miracle child is going to inspire not just those around her, but the entire world!”
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