Ivy Queen & Celia Cruz to Unite for Epic Virtual Duet During 'Calle Ocho Live' Festival

Ivy Queen and the late Celia Cruz will unite for an epic virtual performance that will be showcased during the Calle Ocho Live festival taking place October 4.

The unprecedented duet was announced today (August 11) by organizers who will take this year's Miami-based fest online due to COVID-19.

"Celia Cruz stands out for her powerful voice, talent, stage presence and eccentricities," said Ivy Queen. "I’m honored to sing one of her songs with Celia because she captivated me from the moment I first heard her incredible voice and she is synonymous with the highest values, sacrifices and empowerment music that gives all of us. ¡Viva Celia Cruz, the Queen!"

For the collaboration, Ivy Queen will be recording one of the queen of salsa's songs that will be co-produced by Kiwanis of Little Havana, RetroPop Media and Atlantino who are also producing the show.

"Celia’s biggest wish was that her name be kept alive for future generations and this special performance with an artist with the stature of Ivy Queen is something that will keep her glorious legacy going for decades to come," added Omer Pardillo Cid, president of the Celia Cruz Foundation.

The Hispanic Heritage Month-themed three-hour live stream will feature live and pre-recorded performances from Latin artists, a variety show, comedians, chefs, social media influencers and other surprise personalities. Calle Ocho Live will be available for streaming on digital platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Tik Tok and Twitch.

Calle Ocho Live will also highlight stories from the families that are served by the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation, which helps undeserved Hispanic youth of Miami-Dade County, and will feature a call to action for viewers to give a monetary donation ahead of or during the festival.