Remember when Irene Cara was all over our radio and TV screens in the 70’s and 80’s?
She’s accomplished many things in music and film: she was a Fame actress and sang the show’s theme song and another Fame hit, “Out Here On My Own,” which was the first time two songs from the same film were Academy Award nominated in the same category and sang by the same artist. She had radio blowing up with the Flashdance song, “What A Feeling,” and don’t even talk about her dynamic role in the classic film, Sparkle. Then we barely heard from her after that. Well, now we’ve found her and she’s still got it!
After the 80’s, Irene was still doing her thing, but on a much more low key level: Cara worked as a backup singer for the late great George Duke, Oleta Adams, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Vicki Sue Robinson, and Lou Reed. She also toured Europe and Asia throughout the 1990s, and had a few modest hits on European charts.
In June 2005, Cara won the third round of the NBC television series Hit Me, Baby, One More Time, performing “Flashdance (What a Feeling)” and covered Anastacia’s song “I’m Outta Love” with her current all-female band, Hot Caramel.
Irene appeared in season 2 of CMT’s reality show Gone Country, alongside Jermaine Jackson and other celebs.
Irene’s Uplifting COVID Message To Fans
When the Coronavirus pandemic initially struck the U.S. by storm, Irene Cara sent an uplifting message to her followers online:
“Hi Folks! hope you all are coping well with our current situation. Please be aware of the importance of protecting yourselves and your loved ones. This too will pass. I choose to being optimistic !! Stay safe and diligent!” -Irene Cara
Irene Demands Wikipedia Put Some Respeck On Her Name…And Her Age!
Then came the time in March 2020 when Irene checked Wikipedia for posting her age and name incorrectly:
“Many thanks for the birthday wishes. Despite all the incorrect info on Wikipedia ( there is no T anywhere in my name and I’m 59 today) I wish you all to be safe and healthy. God Bless !”
Irene’s Personal Life
As far as her personal life, Cara married Hollywood stuntman Conrad Palmisano in 1986 and they divorced in 1991 allegedly after receive massive public pressure regarding their age difference. Carl is 15 years older than Irene.
What She’s Doing Now
She currently lives in Florida and works with her band, Hot Caramel, which released their album, Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel was released a few years ago.
There you have it folks: Ms. Irene Cara is still here and ‘oh what a feeling’ it is to see her still doing well and able to be a part of an industry that she loves.
Watch a recent performance of Irene Cara performing the song, “Fame”…
