The Christmas tree was not the only thing lighting up the room on Friday night. At Becca, an Italian restaurant in Staten Island, Sogna Bella Santana and her family traveled to New York City to light up some magic with their melodious voices and to enjoy some yummy Italian food on Dec. 12.
Sogna, of Elmont, only 10, lights up the room with her enthusiasm and passion, translating it directly to her singing and stage presence. Her family shares the passion and talent with her, also taking a presence with their magical tunes on the floor in front of the restaurant.
The 2024 Apollo Child Star Winner captured the eyes of the restaurant’s crowd, warming up with the infamous “Run Run Rudolph.”
Gloria, her mother, had said they were booked and busy during the month of December, but leading up to the New Year they will be slowing down. Her uncle, Frankie DeLorenzo, Gloria’s brother, also carried some tunes Friday night. Also known as the ‘Michael Bubble of Long Island’ he sang “The Last Dance for Me.”
Sogna also sang in Italian for the first time with Angelo Venuto, a lifelong friend of her grandfather, Michael De Lorenzo. They carried the lyrics of “Vivo per lei” by Andrea Bocelli.
“She really surprised me by singing in Italian and she was absolutely great,” Venuto said.
De Lorenzo is proud of his granddaughter.
“Hearing my baby sing in Italian filled my heart,” he said. “She is amazing! And I love her to the moon and back.”
The following night, Songa and her family attended another Christmas party, where she also sang “Run Run Rudolph” to carry on the holiday cheer.
