New West Side Story Star Rachel Zegler Recently Went Viral for Her "A Star Is Born" Cover
For many performers, stardom strikes at the moment they least expect it. Mandy Moore, for instance, was discovered after a FedEx delivery man heard her singing (and then connected her to his friend at a record label). For 17-year-old Rachel Zegler, who has just been cast in the new West Side Story remake film, her star may have just begun rising with her YouTube channel — and a recently viral Lady Gaga cover.
On January 14, The Hollywood Reporter announced further casting for the upcoming West Side Story remake, which is being directed by Steven Spielberg. Rachel, a previously undiscovered star with a growing YouTube channel full of mesmerizing covers, is leading the cast in the coveted role of Maria.
If Rachel’s face or voice rings a familiar bell, that’s probably because she’s been all over social media feeds during the past month. On December 14, she tweeted a video of her singing “Shallow” from A Star Is Born in an empty auditorium, creating a meme to prove that she doesn’t use autotune. The video quickly went viral and now has more than 7 million views.
The meme (and accompanying full “Shallow” cover posted to her YouTube channel) put Rachel on the map for many, boosting her social media followers and subscribers and maybe even helping her get noticed by Hollywood professionals. Obviously, her YouTube channel of covers has helped turn her into a 21st-century success story.
“I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast,” Zegler told The Hollywood Reporter. “West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community.”
Also cast alongside Rachel are Broadway favorites Ariana DeBose, as Anita; David Alvarez, as Bernardo; and Josh Andrés Rivera, as Chino. They join previously announced Ansel Elgort, as Tony, and Rita Moreno, as Valentina. A release date has not been announced, but, according to The Hollywood Reporter, filming is slated to begin this summer.
Elated for the young actor, social media swarmed Rachel with love after the announcement was made. It’s important to remember: There could be 7 million people in a room, but all you need is one of them to be Steven Spielberg and a star might soon be born.
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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Lady Gaga Screamed "It's True" After Sandra Oh Mocked Her "A Star Is Born" Meme at Golden Globes 2019
