```html Rebekah Del Rio, 'Mulholland Drive' Singer, Dies at 57 Rebekah Del Rio, the singer-songwriter whose haunting rendition of "Llorando" in David Lynch's surrealist masterpiece, "Mulholland Drive," cemented her place in cinematic history, has died. She passed away on June 23 at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 57. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed Del Rio's death. The cause of death was not immediately released. A Voice That Defined a Scene Del Rio's performance in "Mulholland Drive" is one of the film's most unforgettable moments. In the scene set at Club Silencio, Del Rio sings a Spanish-language version of Roy Orbison's "Crying," titled "Llorando," a cappella. The raw emotionality and vulnerability of her voice, coupled with the dreamlike atmosphere Lynch created, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The scene is widely considered a pivotal moment in the film, exploring themes of illusion, heartbreak, and the deceptive nature of reality. “Rebekah's contribution to 'Mulholland Drive' was immense,” says Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez, a film studies professor at UCLA specializing in Lynch's work. "Her performance wasn't just singing; it was acting through sound. It perfectly encapsulated the film's themes of fractured identity and the performative nature of Hollywood." From Nashville to Club Silencio Lynch discovered Del Rio through their shared agent, Brian Loucks, in the mid-1990s. At the time, Del Rio was signed to a country record deal in Nashville, Tennessee, on the strength of her recording of "Llorando." Captivated by her voice, Lynch asked Del Rio to perform the song for him, secretly recording the session. This recording became the foundation for the Club Silencio sequence, which Lynch added to his rejected ABC pilot, "Mulholland Drive," as he reworked it into a feature film. Del Rio recounted in a 2022 interview with IndieWire that she sang live for every take of the scene, striving to convey the same emotion and vibrato each time. She also emphasized her desire for the lead actresses, Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, to experience the performance live, singing directly to them during filming. Beyond 'Mulholland Drive' The impact of "Mulholland Drive" extended far beyond the film itself, launching Del Rio into the film industry spotlight. She went on to appear in Richard Kelly's "Southland Tales" (2006), where she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." Her vocal talents also graced the soundtracks of films such as "Sin City," "Man on Fire," and "Streets of Legend." Her collaboration with Lynch continued, with Del Rio appearing in Showtime's "Twin Peaks: The Return," where she performed alongside Moby in a roadhouse sequence. She also toured with The Red Room Orchestra, performing music from "Twin Peaks." Just weeks before her death, she performed at a charity screening of "Mulholland Drive" in Los Angeles. A Lasting Legacy Born in Chula Vista, California, on July 10, 1967, Del Rio began her singing career in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles. Her unique vocal style and her unforgettable performance in "Mulholland Drive" have left an indelible mark on the world of film and music. She is survived by her family and countless fans who were touched by her artistry. "Del Rio's influence extends beyond her specific roles," notes film composer and orchestrator, David Newman. "She represents a specific kind of raw, unfiltered talent that can elevate a scene from simply being good to becoming iconic. Her work reminds us of the power of authenticity in performance." The entertainment world mourns the loss of Rebekah Del Rio, a gifted artist whose haunting voice will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come. ```