Kyla Rivera is a Canadian singer and actress of Filipino-Romanian descent. Born and raised in Calgary, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to stardom. A finalist on the show “Star Power,” Kyla Rivera quickly became a fan favourite. In this article on calgary1.one, we’ll explore her career path and her most significant songs.
Early Life
Kyla Rivera (born Kyla Mayne Iovan) was born in Calgary in 1991. At the age of 13, she was accepted into The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts. There, she spent a full year training in singing and dancing to prepare for performances in the Grandstand Show.
When she turned 16, Kyla auditioned for the popular reality show “Canadian Idol.” She immediately flew to Toronto, where she successfully passed the next round of auditions, making it into the top 65. That same year, she won the “David Foster Star Search” competition, which gave her the opportunity to perform alongside David Foster. This marked the beginning of a collaboration with Foster that would last for many years.
Career Highlights
Kyla’s career continued to gain momentum. In 2011, she became a finalist in the “MYX VJ SEARCH” competition, which led to a role as a VJ.
In September 2011, she made her professional theatre debut in a local adaptation of the Broadway musical “In the Heights,” where she played the role of Nina Rosario. Her performance earned her her first award for “Best Actress in a Musical.”
Soon, Rivera was receiving invitations to record songs for films, star in other major productions, and perform at large-scale concerts. In 2013, she learned and landed the lead role of Carrie White in less than a week. This role earned her a nomination for “Best Actress in a Musical” at the Broadway World Philippines Awards.
Rivera played Wednesday Addams in the Broadway musical “The Addams Family” in 2013. The following year, she took on a more sensual role in the movie “Rock of Ages,” playing a young woman who dreams of a Hollywood career while working as a stripper.
In 2019, Rivera graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Economics.
In 2022, Rivera added radio host to her resume—a very demanding job. She initially worked six days a week, often while simultaneously performing in musicals. She maintained this intense schedule until 2025, when she decided it was not sustainable for her voice and cut back her radio work to two days a week.
Personal Life
In 2024, Kyla Rivera got engaged to her boyfriend, Miguel, and they had a small wedding in July 2025. She met Miguel, who was handling marketing for the musical “Joseph the Dreamer,” in 2020. Their relationship developed gradually and harmoniously.
Artistry and Character
Kyla Rivera is an artist with not only a powerful voice but also a kind heart. Her vocal performances are known for their emotion and sensitivity. Her leading roles in major musicals are a testament to her professionalism and deep commitment to her work. With a career spanning such diverse activities, she has proven to be a truly versatile talent in the arts.
Kyla Rivera has come a long way from a young girl in Calgary to a celebrated singer, actress, and media personality. She skillfully balances music, theatre, and broadcasting, establishing herself as one of the most multifaceted artists today. Her success is a result not only of her talent but also of her immense hard work, discipline, and dedication to her craft.