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Grandma at the Grammys: From seamstress to singing star at 80

Mexican seamstress Irma Silva had always wanted to sing, but it was in her 80s that she really found her voice. Singing folksongs with grandson Jorge led to unexpected success.

Mexican seamstress Irma Silva had always wanted to sing but was forbidden by her father. It was only when she was in her 80s and her grandson Jorge wanted her to teach him, that she really found her voice. They started singing together, performing norteño folksong duets on their family ranch. Abuela Irma and Jorge’s music went viral – taking them all the way to the Latin Grammys. They shared their story with Outlook’s Clayton Conn.

Claudia Luca was 11 years old when she found out she was born without a womb. She grew up knowing she would never be able to have children. But then her mother, Antonietta, offered to help, and at the age of 53, became her daughter's surrogate and ended up giving birth to her grandson. They spoke to Jo Fidgen in 2017.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Voiceovers: Irma Silva performed by Laura Plitt and Jorge Loayzat by Miguel Torres

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

(Photo: Jorge Loayzat and Irma Silva. Credit: Courtesy of Jorge Loayzat)

Available now

41 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Thu 27 Apr 2023 11:06GMT
  • Thu 27 Apr 2023 17:06GMT
  • Thu 27 Apr 2023 21:06GMT
  • Fri 28 Apr 2023 02:06GMT

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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

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