Discover the Emotional Journey of Lisa Lisa in the ‘Can You Feel the Beat’ Trailer: Watch Now!
Prepare to groove with Lifetime’s soon-to-be-released biopic on Lisa Lisa.
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story, set to air on Saturday, February 1, chronicles the life of Lisa Velez, also known as Lisa Lisa, who became a global sensation at just 15 years old. The film, executive produced by Velez herself, stars Jearnest Corchado in the lead role, alongside Angie Martinez and Bre-Z.
In an exclusive sneak peek of the film’s trailer featured in Us Weekly, fans catch a glimpse of Lisa Lisa’s inspiring rise as the first Latina artist to make waves on numerous Billboard music charts, all while confronting challenges such as sexism, racism, and a diagnosis of breast cancer.
“As a child, I imagined myself on stage, performing,” Lisa reflects in the teaser, later declaring to her mother: “One day, I’ll be incredibly wealthy, Mami.”
While the opening scenes showcase Lisa Lisa dazzling on stage, sauntering through city streets, and experiencing her breakout moment with the 1985 hit “Can You Feel the Beat,” the narrative quickly shifts as she discovers the darker realities of the music industry.
“The music business isn’t what you expect. It will try to take a part of you,” warns Bre-Z, portraying Lisa’s close friend Toni Ménage. “You mustn’t allow that to happen.”
Rapid clips reveal Lisa being informed that “treatment needs to commence immediately” for her breast cancer — “I can’t stop touring,” she responds through tears — facing physical threats, and being pressured by her management.
“You can’t succeed without our support,” her manager warns, to which Lisa Lisa retorts, “Just watch me.”
In May 2024, Velez, now 57, revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer during the peak of her career but opted to keep it a secret — even from her mother — in order to continue working.
“Back then, it was a struggle to discuss,” Velez shared on an episode of the Tamron Hall Show. “It was tough, and there was no one to turn to. Men would ask me, ‘Have you gained weight? Are you expecting?’ I had to say, ‘No, I’m undergoing chemotherapy.’ No one knew; I had to keep it hidden — my mom wasn’t even aware.”
Velez recounted noticing bruises on her chest, which prompted her to seek medical attention. “During a stop on a nine-month tour, I went to get checked, and my oncologist informed me, ‘You have ductal carcinoma,’” she explained.
Ultimately, Velez — now in remission — made the choice to maintain her career, navigating her professional duties alongside chemotherapy treatments.
“It was challenging,” she stated. “It was extremely tough. I felt lost, unsure of who to talk to. My doctor advised against touring, but I insisted, ‘I need to work because I have bills to pay.’”
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is set to debut on Lifetime on Saturday, February 1, at 8 p.m. ET.
