Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that three new Legends in Concert tribute artists will make their debut on Norwegian Epic’s May 18, 2011 Western Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona, Spain, where the ship will homeport until October 23, 2011.
The three Legends will perform on board through November 5, 2011 and represent some of the world’s most famous entertainers – Whitney Houston, Elton John and Shakira.
“Legends in Concert has been one of the most popular and memorable shows aboard Norwegian Epic because the performers are so dynamic and authentic. We keep it fresh and exciting by changing the performers every four months,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We are pleased to bring these new Legends performers to Norwegian Epic for her inaugural season in Europe.”
Jazmine Hyytia, a native of Long Island, New York, portrays Whitney Houston and draws her musical inspiration from her Cuban heritage while speaking and singing in both English and Spanish. Hyytia started her musical career on the European music scene including performances in hundreds of nightclubs, several European summer festivals and multiple radio and television appearances. European success led to Hyytia’s 1998 debut within the Latin-American community by singing in eight episodes of the popular Telemundo television show, “Sueños De Fama.”
“The entertainers appearing on Norwegian Epic for the European summer itineraries performing as Elton John, Whitney Houston and Shakira were specifically selected because of their international appeal and diverse musical styles,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for “Legends” producer, On Stage Entertainment. “They are three of the highest quality tribute acts in the world, and they will be joined by the always electrifying Legends singers and dancers, and a rockin’ live band.”
Paying tribute to the “Rocket Man,” Stephen Sorrentino embodies Elton John, the bespectacled Englishman known for a number of international musical hits, along with his outlandish attire. Born and bred in New York, Sorrentino has trained at the Metropolitan Opera and later studied comedy with The Second City in Chicago. He is fluent in all instruments, especially voice. Among his repertoire of Elton John songs are “Pinball Wizard,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and the rousing “Saturday Night.”
Ines Zak, a native of Mexico, who will portray Shakira, has been a singer and an entertainer all her life. In Mexico, she performed on radio and television and as the opening act for Mexican legends such as La Prieta Linda and La Sonora Santanera, singing also in prestigious places such as the National Auditorium of Mexico and the Arena Mexico. In the United States, she was proud to perform as part of the 21st Century Platters with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Marvin Hamlisch and as part of Andrea Bocelli’s choir for his performance at MGM Arena in Las Vegas. Residing in Las Vegas since 2000, she has also performed the Mexican and American National Anthems for televised sporting events.
