I have some exciting news that I would like to share with you. I entered a Karaoke Contest that was held at this years “Country Thunder USA” in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

The contest took place under the “Miller Lite Tent” on July 23 and 24, 2005. There was no age limit to enter this contest, and I competed against all adults. At the end of the competition, I was one of the 8 finalists selected to compete in the final competition earning a spot to perform on the “COUNTRY THUNDER MAIN STAGE.” (the stage that all the country stars perform on)

The final competition was held on July 24, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. on the “Country Thunder Main Stage.” We received back stage passes and were taken to the stage by security. The stage was huge and I was so excited that I was standing on the same stage that all my favorite country artists perform on! While back stage, I had the opportunity to meet some of the members from the bands “Little Texas,” “Madison County,” and “ZZ Top.” Of course, since I am only 9 years old, I didn’t know any of them, but they are all great performers! Some of them gave me some encouraging compliments.

When the competition began I was a little nervous, not about performing, but of the tough competition I was up against. During our performance we were filmed and shown on the large overhead screen for everyone to see. At the end of the competition, the audience got to help the judges select the First Place Winner. I cannot tell you how thrilling it was when they announced that I was the Winner! My favorite quote of this event is when the announcer said to me, “The band members back stage have been in this business for 30 years and have seen and done everything there is in this business and they were in tears watching you in play.” Besides winning the title, I won a family pass for everyday of next years “Country Thunder USA!”

Your Friend in Music, Charissa