Vocal Competition Success + a Recording

HI folks! This has been an eventful weekend and I can't help but feel like my head is in the clouds. I mentioned Friday that I was preparing for a vocal competition in Holland, MI among 24 singers on Saturday afternoon. Saturday started like all others. I decided to go to zumba class at 9:30am after drinking a green smoothie.

• 2 oranges, peeled
• 1 apple
• 1 1/2 cups packed spinach
• protein powder
• flaxseed oil
• distilled water

I had an amazing hour workout with the BEST zumba teacher and then continued on with my normal morning chores. I cleaned the kitchen, folded laundry and just made sure the house was in order. Does a singer do this before competing??? I have to tell you that this is the VERY 1st time that I have felt complete peace and free of nerves before performing. I guess it is because I was on a high with my endorphins. I had my second smoothie instead of eating lunch because I usually do not eat before singing EVEN if it is 4 hours beforehand. 2nd smoothie:

• 2 cups watermelon
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 cup packed spinach
• 1/4 cup distilled water

Sounds interesting right? It was delicious and it gave me energy and kept me phlegm-free and dry-free, which is always a vocalist's nightmare.


It took us 1.5 hours to get to Holland which meant that my voice would be at rest. Well, I warmed up my voice in the car while Ryan drove since I had plenty of time to review words and notes. I arrived to the hall with 45 minutes to continue warming up and mentally preparing.


Ryan brought a recording device so that I could listen to my performance. I sang for these judges last year but had only reached the semi-finals. This year I also reached the semi-finals with 11 out of 24 singers. I was asked to sing the Verdi aria again, called O Patria Mia as my repeat performance. Guess what? I was the last singer to perform out of the 11. The judges assured us that the order did not mean anything at all.


After 45 minutes of deliberation the judges reached a conclusion and named 2 honorable mentions and 2 finalists. We had been told that 2 singers would be chosen as finalists so my friend Jeff and I split the cash prize. When I heard my name I could not believe it! Such an amazing feeling especially when I have been working a whole year with my new voice teacher. He has been a blessing and a God-send. I can't understand why I did not have this teaching before but God knows why at this time in my life he has chosen for me to learn what I have very much longed for.


Did I mention I was only running on 2 smoothies and water? He he he, well someone was starving after this competition was over. Even though it was 9:30pm before we got home, I made garlicky hummus with a side of red peppers and MAry's crackers with a big green salad. So delicious and worth the wait!


Enjoy the performance! I thank my wonderful and loving husband for putting this video and recording together.