She's someone who has built her career on focusing on what makes her unique and what makes her special.'' An actress who influenced Michele was Natalie Wood. Michele said that she would watch West Side Story as a child and want to play the role of Maria. Actress and singer Audra McDonald has also been an influence on Michele. She told The Fresno Bee, ``Audra is probably the best singer in the world -- up there with Barbra.
Michele
Audra