Marilyn Hucek, a D.C.-based artist with Chilean-American roots, secured a spot on the 30th season of ‘The Voice’ after a standout performance of Shakira’s ‘La Tortura.’
The weight of the moment hit Marilyn Hucek hours before she even reached the stage. As a contestant on the 30th season of the talent showcase “The Voice,” she spent the day of her blind audition fighting back nerves she described as being a “nervous wreck.”
But the second she stepped into the spotlight, the pressure vanished. “I was just myself,” Hucek said.
That authenticity paid off. As she performed Shakira’s “La Tortura,” both Queen Latifah and Adam Levine turned their chairs to face her. For Hucek. a D.C.-based singer-songwriter who grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. the turn from Queen Latifah came in mere seconds. The validation from Levine arrived during the song’s climax. “He turned at the end, at my big chorus,” Hucek said. “So when I hit my high notes. that’s when he turned. and it just put a big smile on my face.”.
Choosing between the two coaches was not simple. Though she admitted a slight hesitation, Hucek ultimately selected Adam Levine as her mentor.
The decision to perform “La Tortura” was a deliberate embrace of her identity. “I’m Chilean-American, I have Hispanic heritage, I grew up singing, speaking in English and Spanish,” Hucek explained. Both judges noted that her choice to sing in Spanish made her a standout during the high-stakes auditions. a nod to the influence of Shakira. one of her favorite artists.
Beyond the competition stage, Hucek’s music is anchored in a deeply personal mission. Now 34, she has spent years navigating the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. When she was 16. her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. and she served as a caretaker alongside her mother and two siblings. She has since written several songs in his honor. including “Neil Young. ” which donates three percent of its streaming royalties to the Alzheimer’s Association. “So every time you listen, you’re giving back,” she said.
After years of performing at various venues across the D.C. region, Hucek views her current platform as the culmination of relentless persistence. For those chasing their own musical ambitions, she offers a blunt assessment: “It’s hard work. You get a lot of nos, but if you’re passionate about it, it’s never too late. That’s what I want to say.”.
“The Voice” airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Marilyn Hucek The Voice D.C. music Adam Levine Queen Latifah Alzheimer's advocacy Shakira