Gloria Estefan Wants Ariana Grande to Portray Her in Broadway-Bound ON YOUR FEET

Speaking to reporters at this week's Exploring the Arts gala at New York's Cipriani 42nd Street, legendary artist Gloria Estefan revealed that she would love to see Ariana Grande portray her in the Broadway-bound musical On Your Feet.

"Ariana Grande would be somebody wonderful," said the 57-year-old of her fellow Floridian. "I saw her when she was 8 years old on a cruise ship and she had sung this song, and I literally went up to her and told her and her mom, 'I don't know if you plan on doing this, but this is what you need to be doing because you are an amazing singer.' "

She went on to add, "She was doing Karaoke and we were listening because I love to go watch that stuff and it was amazing!" Her one critique of the performance? Song choice. The young future star of Broadway's '13' selected the theme song from 'Titanic' to entertain the passengers on board!

ON YOUR FEET! will be directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), and choreographed by four-time Drama Desk nominee Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis) with a book by two-time Drama Desk nominee Alexander Dinelaris (The Bodyguard Musical, Zanna Don't).

ON YOUR FEET! is the story of two people who-through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream-showcased their talent, their music and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom. Set to Gloria's chart-topping, smash hits such as "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You", "1-2-3," "Mi Tierra," and "Conga," in addition to new music penned by the Estefans, the show will bring a new sound to Broadway and get audiences on their feet.

ARIANA GRANDE first landed at the top with her first full-length album for Republic Records, Yours Truly. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, Billboard Digital Albums Chart, and iTunes Overall Albums Chart. Moreover, it yielded the game-changing pop smash "The Way" featuring Mac Miller. One of 2013's defining songs, the single went double-platinum, hit the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #1 on the iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart. In the aftermath, she was named "Best New Artist" at The American Music Awards in 2013.GRANDE's magnetic charm, impressive voice, and astounding presence have enchanted millions of fans worldwide. 2014 saw her reach incredible heights right out of the gate. The first single from her sophomore album, "Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea, saw her become the "youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week".

In addition to ranking as the 4th "highest digital song debut for a female artist" and 8th highest ever, the platinum smash debuted at #1 on 50 countries, topping the iTunes overall Top Songs and Pop Songs charts for four weeks. At radio, it went Top 10 at Top 40 and Top 5 at Rhythm. Other accolades followed throughout the year with GRANDE winning "Favorite Breakout Artist" at the People's Choice Awards 2014, the "Young Influencer Award" at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the "Radio Disney Chart Topper Award", and more.

Grande made her Broadway debut in the musical '13.'

Source: The New York Daily News

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos