Through the years, I have had a great relationship with the NY Jets as I have been asked to sing the National Anthem at 6 of their games and am already scheduled to sing again this year. 

Well, earlier this month, I was also asked to be a celebrity judge for the finals of the NY Jets Flight Crew Cheerleading tryouts.  Needless to say, I had a blast!! 

I was a judge alongside Ben Lyons – E! Film Critic, Kerry Rhodes – Jets Safety, Steve Overmyer - SNY Jet's reporter, Donnie Klang – Recording Artist on Bad Boy Entertainment, and Sam Ryan - CBS Sports Reporter. 

Since I had been a cheerleader in my earlier days, I could totally relate to the girls and what they were going through.  The final audition consisted of 52 girls and let me just say that the competition was very stiff!!  They were judged on cheerleading and dance routines, appearance, personal interviews and their ability to do kicks and splits.

In the end, 30 girls were picked (finalists above) and will debut in September at the NY Jets Game!  I wish all the girls tons of luck and thank the organization for allowing me to be part of such an exciting event!

I was wondering, most of your female fans LOVE the way you dress, so what are your top 5 favorite stores to shop at, online or in store? -- Christina
 
Wow, thanks for your compliment.  Since I live in NY City I have the luxury of shopping in SoHo.  It is an area in NYC that has tons of clothing stores but at really reasonable prices.  I’ve never been a big Brand name girl but lately I do have to say that I love Salvage.  I also shop at BeBe from time to time.
 
My question is who is your top 3 bands or singers that inspire you when you are singing? -- Darin
 
I love all types of music so it’s hard to just choose 3.  I would have to say that as I was going up I loved and still love Journey, Pat Benatar & Heart.  However, a friend turned me on to Christian Rock music lately and I love it!!  I’m a big fan now of Toby Mac, Switchfoot, Natalie Grant & Plumb. 
 
When you were in school, what was your best and worst subject?  Also, if you weren't a ring announcer and a singer, what would you be? -- Donna
 
In school my best subjects were Algebra & Biology and my worst was Geometry!  Yuck!  But, I got through it and am grateful I didn’t quit.  In fact, graduating honors in College is still l one of my proudest moments! 
If I wasn’t announcing or singing, I would be a surgeon.  That’s why I love Grey’s Anatomy!
 
I was wondering do you have any advice on how to write songs? I have had alot of personal experiences in my life some good and some bad but when I go to put them on paper it just doesn't come out right.
Any advice? Thanks! -- Shealeen
 
As you have found out, writing songs is not easy.  Everyone has a different technique as how to approach it and it’s just important to find the one that suits you best.  For me, I always find writing the music & melody first really helps.   Then when I try and write lyrics, at least I know the amount of space and beats I am trying to fill.   
 
First of all, have you been skiing since your accident? Also, what's your favorite song that you've written and sung out of your singles and CD? -- Katie
 
I am happy to say that yes, I went skiing in December and did great!  In fact, since I trained so hard, my skiing was better then before the accident.  It really felt amazing to get back on the mountain!!
 
As for my favorite song, it’s really hard to choose because each song really has a special meaning to me but if I had to pick one, it would be “Angel".  Lyrically, I would have to choose “Que Seria”. 
 
What was your first reaction when you saw your toy action figure for the first time? -- Charles
 
I SCREAMED!!!  That is exactly what I did!  I was so excited!  I kept staring at it too.  Couldn’t believe how much it looked like me.  
 
If I could grant you 3 wishes, what would they be?........un saludo ! -- José
 
How funny, I just saw the movie “Aladdin” again and was just thinking about this.  I think my 3 wishes would have to be something that benefits all of us. 
#1) I would ask for all of us to have more love and patience with each other.  Sometimes I think this world has forgotten how to love and without that you don’t have anything!
#2) I love this country very much but sometimes feel that we are too materialistic.  So I wish we could just be happy with less.  I feel that would make us appreciate the simple things more and not always want, want, want. 
#3) I wish every human being could travel around the world and experience different cultures.  By doing so, it would teach us all to open our minds to differences and not be so ignorant in wanting things just our way.
 
What would you do if you permanently lost your voice? -- Katy
 
Cry, cry and cry!  After that, I would get back up and would look into opening up my own business.  It would be hard but I would have to focus on the positive.
 
We've always seen you playing the face role, have you ever had an interest in testing out something heel? -- Chris
 
I think it would definitely be fun to play a heel.  I have taken lots of acting classes in my life so I would have to concentrate and apply my acting lessons to the role because in real life I love to be happy and friendly.
 
How's it like going around the world with the WWE? -- Johnathan
 
I love it, love it, love it!!  I wish everyone could experience traveling all over because you really get to see different lifestyles and open your mind to diversity.  I feel extremely lucky to have had this opportunity and will always cherish it! 
 
Do you have any tattoo's, and if so, of what? -- Rose
 
Yes, three years ago I got my first tattoo.  It is a small cross with my Leo sign inside of it.  It reminds me that God always has my back.
 
Thank you all for your terrific questions!!  If you don’t mind I would love to share a special poem a friend sent me entitled:

  “Attitude”
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did
and
she
had
a
wonderful
day.
 
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head
"H-M-M," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did
and
she
had
a
grand
day.
 
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said,
"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did
and
she
had
a
fun,
fun
day.
 
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
 
Attitude is an IMPORTANT KEY to SUCCESS & HAPPINESS.
 
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly.......
Leave the rest to God
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
 
 
Love you all and keep rockin’!
 
Forever rockin’,
Lilian

Hi everyone,

Hope the New Year has been treating you all well so far.  As always I have been busy flying around to WWE shows.  In fact, recently I went to Mexico, Chile & Peru with Smackdown.  It was truly amazing!  Not only were the cities incredible but also the way the fans welcomed us was unbelievable!! 

In Lima, Peru I went to my first catacombs ever and it was freaky!!  I have never seen so many skulls!  Here are some photos from the trip!

Now as much as I love traveling, I also love staying at home in NYC and participating in all the NY/NJ fun.  Well, that is exactly what I got to do these pasts’ few weeks. 

I got to perform the National Anthem for the NY Knicks game at Madison Square Garden (they won that game!), performed “God Bless America” at MSG for the Big East Championship Tournament between Syracuse & W. Virginia (NY won!).

I also sang at Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City with “4-Speed” and also made an appearance on the “Mike and Juliet Morning Show”. 

I want to thank all the fans that came to show their support.  It truly means the world to have people rooting for you & wanting to see you succeed.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Take care and Rock on!

Forever rockin’,
Lilian

Editor's Note: Check out more photos from Lilian's travels in her Universe profile photo gallery. You can access her gallery page by clicking on any photo in this blog post.

A little more than a month has passed since Victoria (real name: Lisa Marie Varon) left WWE, and I already feel a tremendous void. Even though she had been switched to SmackDown and I remained on Raw, we would still cross paths at pay-per-view’s and would also see each other outside of work.

See, Victoria was not just a co-worker to me but a really, really good friend. We shared amazing times together and if I was ever down or in a bad mood, it was Victoria who could make me laugh and snap me out of it. 

I met Victoria back in 2000 when she was brought in to play one of Godfather’s "Ho’s." We bonded immediately and I remember her saying to me that she wanted to become a wrestler. I told her it was a great idea and away she went to Louisville to put in endless hours in the WWE training camp.

After a few years, she returned to WWE, but this time as a bonafide wrestler. I was so proud of her and for the next seven years I got to watch this amazing talented girl kick butt in the ring!! But as much fun as it was to see her soar, it was Victoria’s personality that really stole my heart. She could always make me laugh at the littlest things and could be serious too when I needed a friend and a shoulder to cry on. 

She was also never shy to make fun of herself … did you see her dressed up as a Sumo wrestler for the Diva Halloween Match??!!  Hilarious! I couldn’t keep my composure at ringside I was laughing so hard!

I feel extremely lucky that I was able to meet and work with such a beautiful soul. In the early years the locker room consisted of Trish Stratus, Molly Holly, Ivory, Torrie Wilson, Stacy Keibler, Lita and Victoria. We had so much fun together and really became a family outside of the business. Well, with Victoria leaving, I am now the last of that group still remaining in WWE.  Even though I love the girls I work with now, I’m really going to miss all these girls very much. I still get to see them from time to time, but it certainly is not the same as seeing them every week.

Victoria, thank you for all the great times! Thank you for your friendship and thank you for giving all of us, your fans, such great entertainment and a piece of you that we will always cherish in our hearts. I wish you tremendous success in all of your future endeavors and want you to know that you will always have a friend in me! 

Luv you girl!
Lilian

What is your most cherished memory? Either on or off screen.
- Britt

Hi Britt,
I have to say that in my life I have been fortunate enough to have many cherished moments.  It is too difficult for me to pick just one so here is a list of some that really stand out:

1) As you may already know, I started singing the National Anthem for the WWE in February 2000.  Since that time, I have been lucky enough to sing it for two Wrestlemania’s, Summerslam, NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL games to name a few but these two moments are the most memorable.

• Singing the National Anthem after 9/11 in Houston, TX on 9/13/01.  Although it was a very hard time for all of us, I could also feel everyone pulling together as a nation.  It was an incredible moment that really made me appreciate life and everything our nation stands for.
• Dec 2004, 05, 06, 07 & 08 singing the National Anthem in Iraq & Afghanistan for our annual “Tribute to The Troops” show.  As I was singing, all the soldiers were saluting and standing strong all around me.  I can’t tell you what an amazing and humbling experience it is to be surrounded by our brave men & women who show such strength and determination to protect our country.  God Bless America and our soldiers!!

2) Not many people know this but I was in the Swim Team for 9 years and coached for 2 years.  Those years are some of the most memorable because of how gratifying it was to be a part of a team that would strive so hard to win meets but do it with good sportsmanship and bond so closely.  As a coach it was very fullfilling for me to watch the daily improvements of the swimmers and know I had a part in it. 

3) Even though singing the Anthem at WWE events has been a big part of my job, even bigger has been the honor to be the Ring Announcer for “Monday Night Raw” for almost 10 years now.  I have had the privilege of working with and announcing some really great wrestlers, both men & women, whom continuously leave me speechless with their talents. 
As far as unforgettable moments announcing, it would have to be when I finally got the opportunity to announce Wrestlemania 2006 and made history by being the first woman and first Latina to announce at Wrestlemania.  What an honor and what a rush!! 

4) As we all know, I love singing, sports and traveling.  That is why I cherish those times very dearly when I get to sing,  ski & scuba dive and when I get to travel the world experiencing different cultures.  I guess you can say that for me cherished moments are created everyday!  Some are just bigger then others but all are cherished!!

Do you plan on doing a duet with your sister in the near future for an upcoming album?
- Mat

Hi Mat,
I love working with my sister and am very close to her.  In fact, we wrote a few songs together for my “Quiero Vivir” album.  I had a blast! 

Some of you I think are aware that years back my sister and I were in a band together and it was amazing! I would love to sing with her again & I really hope that someday we can.  For now, we will just have to resort to writing songs together.  But I never say never!!

Who would you consider your all-time hero/inspiration?
- Christina

Hi Christina,
My all-time heros are truly my family members.  They have always supported me through all my endeavors and encouraged me to keep striving forward.  It really means the world to me to have such an amazing support system!

I have also had some amazing mentors, managers & friends that have helped me along the way with advice, connections, and moral support.  Thank you to all of you!!

We always hear about people having regrets and how they would go back to fix it if given the opportunity. If you had the chance, is there something you would change? This could be either personal or professional.
- Kristen

Hi Kristen,
Wow, this is a loaded question but a good one.  As you know everyone makes mistakes, some worse then others.  I think it’s easy to wish we could take back our mistakes but I think the important thing is to grow from them.  I have made my share of mistakes in this life but I have always tried to learn from them and not let them happen again.  I think this is the true meaning of growing up and what defines us.  If you can turn a mistake into a positive, then it wasn’t a mistake to begin with.  It was meant to be!
 
What is your most memorable moment from when the WWE went over to Iraq for the tribute to the troops this past December?
- Chris and Abby

Hi Chris & Abby,
This trip is extremely special to me!  The most memorable moments are always personally getting to say thank you to all the soldiers face to face for what they do for us.  Also, as I commented before, singing the National Anthem as I am surrounded by all the troops takes me breathe away.  Very emotional & very gratifying trip!

With the WWE, you are able to travel all over the world. So, I was wondering, do you collect anything from every place you go? I personally like to get shot glasses from the different states and towns I go to.
- Courtney   

Hi Courtney,
Yes, I do collect things from all over the world.  In fact, my house is decorated with items from many different countries, such as, swords from Spain; masks from Venice; museum replicas from Paris and sushi sets from Japan.  It is quite fun and a perfect way for me to always remember these incredible places.

This is actually a two part question. When it comes to your WWE shoots, we always see them done in the outfits you announce in. However, I was wondering if there will be any future ones with you in your every day clothes like we have seen from the other girls? Also, will you be doing more work with Carl Maiorino? I loved the photos he did for your official site.
- David

Hi David,
The reason I shoot in the outfits that I announce in is because usually I do the shoots right before I go out to ringside.  In fact, I have never thought of shooting in my street clothes but you have given me a good idea and I will make sure I do a shoot like that in the near future. 
As for Carl, he is a wonderful photographer and yes I plan to shoot with him again but it’s just that our schedules have both been tight.   Thanks for your compliment; I know he will love it. 

Thank you all for all your wonderful questions.  I look forward to answering more.  For now, take care &  keep rockin’!!

Forever rockin’,
Lilian

Editor's Note: Lilian Garcia's "Music Advice" columns appear on WWE Universe. To see her previous columns on WWE.com, visit her column archive on her Superstar page. And don't miss Lilian in WWE.com's "Diva Dish" column.

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