An all-around entertainer, a soulful singer, an accomplished pageantry queen, and a tireless advocate for individuals with hidden disabilities, Marissa Luna is on a trajectory to light up the entertainment industry. Charting her impressive journey from an eager first-grader, honing her singing and dancing skills, to releasing her upcoming EP, her story is an inspiring exemplification of determination and an unwavering belief in one’s potential.
Raised among artistic influences in the heart of the South, Marissa first found her love for the stage through the Red Mountain Theatre Company in Birmingham. Here, she touted her resounding talent in musical theater, gracing productions of beloved classics such as “Aladdin,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Hairspray.” Despite her initial hesitation to venture into country music, Marissa eventually embraced the genre, recognizing the significant role it would play in her musical journey.
Drawn to the stage’s glitz and glamor, Marissa discovered another passion alongside music- pageantry. Her first tryst with pageants came at the cusp of her teenage years, spurred by the allure of music-related segments in the contests. This amalgamation of her two passions soon catapulted her to the winner’s circle at the National American Miss Talent competition and led to her crowning as Miss Alabama’s National American Miss Junior Teen. She is currently the 2024 Miss University of Alabama.
A pivotal moment in her life was her association with the Miss America organization. Imbibing fundamental lessons and embracing her hidden disabilities, Marissa grew into a more confident and accomplished individual. She then extended her experiences in advocacy for others, through her work with the nonprofit organization, “More Than Meets the Eye,” promoting understanding and acceptance of individuals like her, with ADD and learning challenges.
Marissa’s music career took a significant leap when she was introduced to Peanutt Montgomery. This interaction led to an unforgettable opportunity to sing at his Hall of Fame Induction, further propelling her name in the industry. Today, Marissa is looking ahead at the launch of her upcoming new country style EP, where she collaborated with industry veterans like producer Ronnie Hall and songwriter James LeBlanc and Jim “Moose” Brown..
Renowned Fame Studios, Alabama, became a hub for Marissa to record her music. She greatly appreciates the studio’s distinctive sound and its rich history of hosting famous artists like Aretha Franklin and Steven Tyler. It was also at this studio where she released her Holiday Single with Robert Abernathy, “Christmas Eve Alone.”
As Marissa advances in her career, she takes the time to share a piece of advice with young aspirants on similar paths. Emphasizing the importance of self-belief and confidence, she urges them to understand that perfection is an unachievable myth. The main ingredients for success in both music and pageantry, according to her, are passion, determination, and a focus on personal growth.
Her own relaxation routine involves a return to the simple pleasures in life, a reminder of the importance of taking a step back amid life’s busyness. As Marissa puts it, “When it comes time to decompress from my busy life of school, music, and pageantry, it’s honestly about taking a step back from it all. There’s nothing really crazy about it, but just doing the simple things in life that you easily forget about, such as going outside and sitting in the sun.”
Follow Marissa Luna’s journey on Instagram , Spotify or Facebook to be part of her exciting ongoing musical journey. Bursting with zeal, dedicated to her craft, and inspiring in her accomplishments, Marissa’s story offers a captivating insight into the making of an entertainment star, setting an inspiring example for hopeful artists around the world.
Watch her music video with Robert Abernathy for their latest Single “Christmas Eve Alone” for the Holidays on YouTube.
