Arts and Culture, Astoria, Featured, Music, Television
Oct 29, 2017

Meet Katrina Rose: Representing Astoria on The Voice!

We all know that Astoria is full of inspiring, talented people, but Katrina Rose, a current contestant on NBC’s The Voice, is seriously someone to watch. She’s a ten-year veteran of (…)

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THE VOICE — “Battle Rounds” — Pictured: Katrina Rose — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

We all know that Astoria is full of inspiring, talented people, but Katrina Rose, a current contestant on NBC’s The Voice, is seriously someone to watch. She’s a ten-year veteran of the neighborhood who currently lives in the Broadway area, and has a killer set of pipes. (Check out this powerhouse performance from the Battle round!) The blossoming Astoria music community has plenty of exciting up-and-comers, and Katrina is currently representing our ‘hood on one of the biggest stages imaginable.

Now that she can call people like Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson her colleagues, it would be understandable if she went all Hollywood and became a California diva. Lucky for us: Not only is she still super down to earth, but she also agreed to take some time out of her crazy jet-setting schedule to answer a few of our questions!

Based on her answers, I’m pretty sure all of our readers will want to become her BFFs and grab drinks at Sek’end Sun or LIC Beer Project as soon as she’s back in Queens. So major thank you to Katrina for giving us a bit of your time. (And let’s be honest, I would probably have the same reaction as you if I met Kelly Clarkson too!)

THE VOICE — “Blind Auditions” — Pictured: Katrina Rose — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

What has been your favorite moment on the whirlwind that is appearing on The Voice?

I have had SO many amazing moments during my time on The Voice. There are the obvious things, such as having Miley Cyrus press her button for me during the blind auditions, reigniting my belief in myself and in the fact that it was worth the risk coming on to the show. There are also the relationships and bonds you make through the process with other contestants. Team Miley, the first ALL female team in Voice history, or HERstory as we like to say, was a very close team. We felt like a sisterhood, taking care of each other, supporting each other and wanting everyone to succeed. For example, my battle partner Janis Freeman is someone I consider a SOUL sister. I know I can forever reach out to her for anything and she knows she can do the same. She’s invited to my wedding! The entire crew on this show is also one of the most professional, knowledgeable crews and they work their BUTTS off. It was such a learning experience and privilege to work with them from the Glam squad (Hair & Makeup and Wardrobe) to the production team to the BAND — Oh my god, that BAND!!! Amazing.

 

Who has been the coolest person you’ve met so far?

Ohhh this is like Sophie’s Choice! There are many names I could say, but for me personally I nearly peed myself when I met Kelly Clarkson. Kelly is going to be a coach for the upcoming Season 14 and was brought on as the mentor during the Knock Out rounds. Kelly not only has been through a similar experience, but she was really the original trailblazer! I also respect her as an artist and think the moves she has made in this business are smart and empowering. I feel like our voices and music are similar and I would love to work with her more in the future.

 

How do you compare NYC life to Los Angeles?

My time in Los Angeles was a bit restricted since we were very busy during the show, but I am an East Coast girl at heart! Sorry, LA!! I was born and raised in North Carolina and even though the weather was pretty fantastic on the west coast, I really missed the public transportation of NY and I don’t know that I ever thought I would say that!! I also like to see those leaves change in fall and those palm trees just don’t do it for me!

 

What’s one thing a viewer at home might not realize about the show?

I think one thing you might not realize is the huge amount of work that goes into every episode. Even getting to that Blind audition is really a huge accomplishment and every single person that makes it to that point should feel INCREDIBLY proud.

 

How long have you lived in Astoria? How did you make your way here?

Astoria became my home for the first time over 10 years ago! I had visited friends here and absolutely loved the amount of culture and activity there was while still feeling like a neighborhood. When I finished Hairspray at the Luxor in Vegas, I was looking for a new place to live and found Astoria so much more interesting than Manhattan, not to mention, at the time, very affordable. There are so many mom and pop shops that make you feel at home when you want to go out, but you don’t have to elbow through stacks of tourists to get there! I love it!

 

What part of the neighborhood do you live in, and what do you love most about it?

I have lived in a few different parts of Astoria. I first moved to the 30th ave area, then to Ditmars area, back to 30th ave and now finally settled in the Broadway area! I have so many favorite things about each section. When I first moved to 30th Avenue, it was a long time ago and very different than it is now. Even then, there was a lot of activity! Queens Comfort and William Hallet are some of my favorite places to go, but I also love the Fruit and Veggie stand on the corner of 33rd and 30th where I constantly shopped and still sometimes make my way back to.

Around Ditmars, there used to be Frank’s pizza which I went to all the time when I was coming home late at night, but now it’s Artichoke Pizza. Luckily, Rose & Joe’s still exists, my favorite little Italian shop. I also love Astoria Park, one of the most beautiful areas of Astoria and I will still make my way there with my dog, Waffles.

Now that I am in the Broadway area I have new favorites! I am lucky to work close to home at ILoveKickboxing.com on Steinway as a kickboxing instructor and totally love it! Come take class with me! When I’m not kickboxing or singing, I am probably eating pizza at Retro because life is all about balance!

 

Why is Astoria a great place to live as a musician?

Astoria is still about community. There are so many artists that have been living here for a long time because Manhattan was too expensive and now I feel like they have banded together and are creating some really unique things. More and more venues are opening their doors to open mic nights and songwriter nights so not only are there a lot of performance opportunities but also more nights and places where you can experience different types of music and meet local artists.

 

What’s been your favorite “Astoria moment” since moving here?

Meeting my future Husband! My fiancé and I met at Blackbirds on 30th Ave and that day changed my life. We are getting married in May!

 

Do you have a favorite Astoria venue to catch music?

I recently caught a show at Sek’end Sun and had a really great time! I love the unexpected shows. There is a singer, I can’t remember her name, but she sings jazz at DiWine during brunch and it totally changes the mood of the space! I absolutely love that. Also, not quite Astoria, but I guess between here and LIC, I love LIC Beer Project! Not only are the beers delicious, but you can hear some really interesting musicians on select days.

 

What are some of your favorite places to eat in Astoria?

Oh my goodness, there are SO many good places! As mentioned before, I am still a sucker for Queens Comfort for brunch, Retro Pizza for pizza. I really like Mokja for Korean food and we love that they let us bring our dog to sit outside. Any time we can bring our puppy with us, it’s a win!

 

Do you have a “hidden Astoria secret” spot that you love, but you feel flies under the radar?

For special occasions, I like to pick up food from Sorriso’s Italian Market. Cash only, but it is incredibly good and talk about your “mom and pop” shop! I also love my boys at Doyles on 42nd and Broadway. I used to work there as a karaoke host MANY years ago and Branden and Paul always took good care of me, especially if the crowd got too rowdy! A couple of true Irish gents.

 

We are SO honored you’re a WHA reader! What do you typically read the blog to learn the scoop on?

I always catch up with WHA to find out about the closings and openings of restaurants and bars around Astoria! I feel like Astoria is changing and growing constantly and it’s a little too big for me to get around and see what’s happening. Thank goodness for WHA keeping me up to date! I also keep an eye out for any live music that I might have missed because I try to take advantage of any happenings in the area. I have so much Astoria pride, I appreciate the other businesses supporting our little corner of NY!

 

Anything else that you’d like us to know; feel free to share!

I love to keep up with people via Instagram and everyone should follow me! @KatrinaRoseRock

 

Thank you SO much to Katrina for taking the time to chat with us! We’re rooting for you :)

THE VOICE — “Blind Auditions” — Pictured: Katrina Rose — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

 

About Lindsay Goyette

Lindsay has been eating and drinking her way through Queens since 2011. A casting director by day and Astoria explorer by night, you can usually find her checking out live music, theatre, or the newest neighborhood spot to enjoy a craft beer.

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