| Jackie LaPonza | |
| Birth Date: | 12 February 1984 |
| Birth Place: | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Years Active: | 2007–present |
| Partner: | Steve Felton (2014–2021) |
| Current Member Of: | Mushroomhead |
| Past Member Of: | Unsaid Fate |
Jacqueline "Ms. Jackie" LaPonza (born February 12, 1984) is an American singer best known for her work with Mushroomhead. She became prominent as the lead singer for Unsaid Fate in her early 20s. Her vocal style in Unsaid Fate was more aligned with typical hard rock aesthetics, however in Mushroomhead she is considered to be a continuation of Jeffrey Nothing's doom-influenced style.[1] She has assumed many costumes throughout her career with the band, with elements from Victorian, industrial and typical Mushroomhead aesthetics.
LaPonza was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1984. She has five brothers. She originally founded Unsaid Fate with her brother Mike in 2007, after performing at bars since LaPonza was aged 10 under her first name. Mike served as the drummer, Ron DeBiase as guitarist and Nino Spadaro as bassist.[2] At the time, she would state her influences to be Evanescence, No Doubt, Pink, Paramore, Nickelback, Flyleaf, and Green Day.[3]
She then began dating Mushroomhead drummer and visual director Steve "Skinny" Felton in 2014. Skinny proposed within 30 days of the relationship and LaPonza had a guest appearance on 'We are the Truth' from Mushroomhead's 2014 release The Righteous & the Butterfly.[4] Unsaid Fate toured extensively with Mushroomhead until the release of lead single 'Seen it All' from 2020's A Wonderful Life.[5] Despite not appearing vocally, she could be observed in the background of the music video, and would appear in rotation with the other vocalists throughout the album.[6]
LaPonza split from both Skinny and Mushroomhead on 2021, prompting a removal of her presence from tours, promotional material and social media presence. However, since 2021 Unsaid Fate have not resumed making music or touring since the 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns. In 2022, Skinny sought to mend bridges with various former members of the band, such as Dave "Gravy" Felton and Waylon Reavis, with LaPonza making a return to the tour. She is confirmed to appear on the 2024 release Call the Devil.[7] [8]