Music Monday: Altoona's Got Talent

Last week, I had the opportunity to compete in a local talent competition.  In July, I auditioned for the opportunity to perform in the main show, and judging from my first sentence, I was lucky enough to make it!

As you probably realize, the name of the talent show is the local version of "America's Got Talent" (which I've never seen, and don't plan to).  There were three categories: dance, Vocal- 18 & under, Vocal- adult.  Out of 82 people, they chose a total of 19 finalists to compete for prizes in each category: 5 dancers, 7 singers under 18, and 7 singers over 18.  First place winners received $200, second place $100, and third place $50.

The show was on Thursday, August 7th (our wedding anniversary), and if you follow me on Instagram, I posted a few shots of me getting ready through out the day.

I woke up insanely early at 8:30 that day, so I had plenty of time to do my nails for the show.

I also had time to toss my dress in the dryer to dry clean it. Did you know they have kits for you to dry clean at home? I had bought a starter kit a while ago. It's just a bag that you toss up to 4 garments in with a dry cleaning sheet (a wet sheet) and run for 30 minutes. I actually wore this dress in my friend Rebecca's wedding (4 years ago on Thursday!!). It was PERFECT for the event and the song I was singing. 

Then I went to the Clinique counter at Macy's to get my make-up done, and did my hair at home. 

Then it was just about show time!

I sang "At Last" by Etta James.  Unfortunately, I didn't place in the competition, but it was so much fun!  I LOVED being on a big stage for an audience of around 400 people!  And everyone was so incredible.  I even made the news!!  (The link will take you to the short segment that aired on our local news.  I'm the first performer they show, and even though you only hear 2 words from the beginning of my song, I'm the only one you get to hear.  :)

Here's the full version of the original song:

Each finalist will be getting a DVD of the performance, and if I can figure out how, I'll try to post my version in an upcoming Music Monday!