As Leslie Grace returns to music with her vibrant new single “Ayayay,” she’s stepping into a bold new era — one filled with self-discovery, sensuality and total creative freedom.
“I’ve been allowing myself to just flow with life a bit more,” Grace, 30, exclusively told Us Weekly. “For a long time, I tried to stay in control, to rationalize everything. But now I’m embracing love, emotions and creativity in a much more open way.”
As the Dominican American singer and actress gears up to release her first full-length studio album in 12 years, Grace is leaning into both her musical roots and her ever-evolving sound, blending R&B, tropical pop and bilingual storytelling.
Between rehearsals, studio sessions and filming her next movie, she made time to Make Us a Mixtape, sharing the songs that shaped her artistry, evoke childhood memories and still bring her to tears.
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Song by an Idol That Always Inspires Her
“Run to You” by Whitney Houston. Any Whitney song, really — I’m inspired just hearing her voice. She was the voice. There was such ease in her vocals; it was unmatched. She just let her gift flow through so effortlessly.
Song That Puts Her in the Zone Before a Show
“Strength, Courage & Wisdom” by India.Arie. People might think I hype myself up before a show, but I actually do the opposite. I’m an introvert, so I like to ground myself. This song is so perfect — lyrically and rhythmically — to get me centered mentally.
Song That Instantly Brings Back Summer Memories
“In the Heights” from In the Heights. When we shot In the Heights, that was the best summer of my life — no doubt. It was also the summer before COVID, so it feels even more nostalgic now. Summer in New York is just … special.
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Song She Grew Up Singing Around the House
“Luna” by Ana Gabriel. That was one of my mom’s favorite artists. We’d clean the house every weekend, and Ana Gabriel was always playing. That voice! It was a whole vibe.
Song She Secretly Loves
“I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” by Britney Spears. Britney was my first concert, the first person I ever fangirled over. I was singing this song during karaoke at, like, 10 years old — which is wild! My dad always requested it. Looking back, it’s kind of hilarious.
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Song That Always Sets the Mood
“Lifetime” by Maxwell. One of the most romantic songs ever. Maxwell just gets it.
Song That Gets Her Emotional Every Time
“Still Feel It All” by Amaro. She sings in Portuguese, Spanish and English — she’s amazing. Every time I hear this one, I cry. Just go listen and cry. That’s it.
Song That Represents Her Dominican Roots
“La Bilirrubina” by Juan Luis Guerra. It has to be a Juan Luis song — or even Fefita La Grande. You hear it and it just makes you want to dance. That’s my Dominican blood right there.
