She stood on the threshold of her dreams, a young singer from a small town, poised to take the leap of a time. The dimly lit bar in a Las Vegas casino, where she was discovered, seemed an unlikely catalyst for stardom, yet it was there that her talent was unearthed. As she belted out the iconic "I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls, a producer took notice, and her was forever altered. The words of encouragement still echoed in her mind, "you need to be on American Idol," a phrase that would propel her towards the realization of her aspirations. The journey to this moment had not been without its challenges, particularly after her father's stroke, which made travel a daunting task. Yet, on the night of her audition, he was by her side, a testament to the unwavering support of her family. The experience was nothing short of magical, a moment she would treasure forever. As she reflected on her journey, she offered sage advice to fellow aspiring singers from small towns, "If you're empowered to have that kind of talent, just share it with the world. Don't hide it." This sentiment, born out of her own experiences, would undoubtedly resonate with many.