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Rising Stars: Meet Gabriella Whiting of Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Whiting

Hi Gabriella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in upstate New York called Skaneateles and fell in love with performing at an early age, starting dance lessons when I was just 3 years old. By fifth grade, I had added voice lessons to my training, and from then on, I was constantly working on my singing, dancing, and acting to prepare for a professional career in musical theater. In high school, I really started getting into songwriting as well and was part of a singing duo with my childhood friend—we called ourselves Jules and Gabriella. We had management, released music on iTunes, sold CDs, and even did small tours around New York. That experience was invaluable because it gave me an early taste of what it’s like to perform professionally, connect with audiences, and navigate the industry. It definitely helped prepare me for the real world of performing and gigging, and it fueled my passion for making music.

After high school, I moved to New York City and quickly booked my first professional show—Legally Blonde: The Musical on Norwegian Cruise Lines—at 19. From there, I continued working professionally in musical theater, performing in the Broadway national tour of Motown: The Musical, various regional productions, and competing on MTV’s singing competition “Copycat” and acting in various indie and short films.

When the pandemic brought live theater to a standstill, I pivoted to creating online content and quickly built a following, which opened up so many new opportunities. I expanded into red carpet journalism, interviewing stars like Halle Berry, Margot Robbie, and Carol Burnett. In 2023, I was honored to be selected for a 10-month creator residency at BuzzFeed. Now, , I’m preparing to release my own original music in Spring 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in my career.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. From a very young age, I faced racism, which shaped a lot of my experiences growing up being one of very few people of color from the town I grew up in. Whether it was being treated differently in my hometown, in school, or even in the theater world, I learned early on that I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. That took a toll on my confidence at times and made me question if I truly belonged in certain spaces.

On top of that, I dealt with bullying, which only amplified those feelings of self-doubt. Whether it was in school or even within the industry, there were times when people tried to make me feel small or unworthy. But despite those challenges, I never let them stop me. If anything, they fueled me to keep pushing forward, proving not only to others but to myself that I belong and that I have something valuable to offer.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create online content focusing on pop culture and diversity while also incorporating my own experiences into it. I love highlighting important conversations in entertainment, celebrating representation, and bringing attention to stories that matter. Whether I’m breaking down the latest in film and TV, interviewing celebrities, or sharing my personal journey, I always aim to create content that is both engaging and meaningful. At the end of the day, my goal is to entertain, inform, and create a space where people feel seen and represented. What sets me apart from others is that I’m more than just an internet face on your screen—I bring years of professional training and real industry experience to everything I do. That background gives me a unique perspective that goes beyond just talking about entertainment—I’ve lived it. But beyond my credentials, what truly sets me apart is my authenticity. I show up as my full self, sharing my experiences, insights, and personality in a way that resonates with people. Whether I’m creating content, performing, or interviewing celebrities, I strive to be real, relatable, and true to who I am.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely. The COVID-19 crisis taught me to never take anything for granted. Life can change in an instant, and the things we assume will always be there—our careers, our routines, even our time with loved ones—can be taken away without warning. It made me realize how important it is to take risks, to act silly, to say “I love you” without hesitation. I’ve learned to fully embrace every moment, to go after what I want without fear, and to appreciate the little things because you never know when it all might change. In 2025, I will be releasing original music I wrote based on my experiences, especially over the past five years. This music is incredibly personal to me—each song tells a story, reflecting the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Writing and creating these songs has been a deeply emotional and fulfilling process, and my hope is that listeners will connect with them in their own way. More than anything, I want my music to be authentic, honest, and something that makes people feel seen and understood. I’m so excited to finally share this part of myself with the world.

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Image Credits
Klever Erazo, Shannon Soule, Jonathan Adjahoe

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