Today we’d like to introduce you to Gen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in New York City, I always knew I was meant to perform. There was something magical about the energy of the city — the music, the lights, the culture, and especially Broadway. As a little girl, I would sit in theaters completely captivated, dreaming that one day I would be on those stages myself. That dream has stayed with me my entire life.
Today, I’m fortunate to call myself an international headliner, performing all around the world and living a life I once only imagined. I’ve traveled to 97 countries, experienced so many different cultures, and stood on stages in places I never thought I would see growing up. Every contract, every audience, and every destination has shaped me into the artist and woman I am today.
I currently perform on cruise ships for companies such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises, among others. Performing at sea has given me the opportunity to combine my two greatest passions — music and travel. One week I may be sailing through the Mediterranean, and the next I’m performing in the Caribbean surrounded by audiences from all over the world. It’s a lifestyle that constantly inspires me.
Although New York will always be home in my heart, I now live in Memphis, and I truly love the slower pace of life there. After years of nonstop travel and performing, Memphis gives me balance and peace. I still visit New York often to see my family, reconnect with my roots, and of course catch a Broadway show whenever I can. No matter how many countries I visit, there is still something so special about sitting in a Broadway theater and feeling that spark all over again.
Two years ago, I took another major step in my career and founded GMajor Productions. Starting my own agency was deeply personal for me because I’ve spent years seeing incredibly talented artists get overlooked or never given the opportunities they deserved. I wanted to create something that not only represented talent, but truly believed in people and helped make their dreams possible.
Now I represent a wide variety of performers and artists, and one of the most rewarding parts of my career is helping others succeed. Whether it’s developing a new show, mentoring an artist, or helping someone land a life-changing contract, I love being part of their journey. I’ve started producing my own shows because I believe there are so many incredible performers who simply need someone to believe in them and give them a chance.
Even after all of the traveling and accomplishments, I still have dreams I’m working toward. One of my biggest lifelong dreams is to star on Broadway one day. I also hope to eventually work in film and continue expanding creatively in new ways. I truly believe life continues to evolve if you stay open, work hard, and never stop dreaming.
At the end of the day, I’m just incredibly grateful. Grateful for the stages, the audiences, the countries I’ve seen, the people I’ve met, and the ability to wake up each day doing what I love. My journey has taken me around the world, but I still feel like this is only the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
People often see the glamorous side of entertainment — the lights, the costumes, the travel, the applause — but they don’t always see the years of struggle behind it. There were so many moments where doors were slammed in my face. Auditions I didn’t get. Opportunities I thought were meant for me that disappeared. Times when I poured my heart into something only to hear “no” over and over again.
The entertainment industry is incredibly competitive, and for a long time, I questioned whether I was truly good enough. I struggled with fear of failure more than people realize. There were moments where I doubted myself completely — wondering if I should give up, wondering if my dreams were too big, wondering if I was ever going to break through in the way I hoped.
Then came the pandemic, which was one of the hardest chapters of all. Like so many performers, my world suddenly stopped. The stages went dark, the ships stopped sailing, and the industry I had built my life around completely shut down overnight. It was terrifying. As entertainers, we are used to movement, connection, and performing — and suddenly there was silence and uncertainty. There were moments where I truly didn’t know what the future would look like.
But somehow, those struggles also shaped me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a headliner on cruise ships, my life is a combination of artistry, discipline, glamour, and connection. From rehearsing with incredible live orchestras to stepping onstage in beautiful costumes under the lights, every performance feels like a dream come to life. One of my signature productions, A Tribute to the Divas, celebrates legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Donna Summer, bringing audiences through decades of iconic music and unforgettable moments. But beyond the vocals and production value, what truly sets me apart is my personality. I’m a New Yorker through and through — full of energy, humor, honesty, and heart — and I love making people laugh just as much as I love making them sing along. I’ve worked incredibly hard to grow into the singer and performer I am today, but what makes me most proud is knowing I can genuinely touch people through my shows. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing an audience leave happier than when they walked in, knowing that for a little while, I helped them escape, smile, laugh, feel nostalgic, and simply enjoy life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.genmaldonado.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BKjmdjdgD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
