One woman’s dream of making the Hollywood semi-final of a global singing talent search is over but she has vowed to continue to follow her dream of becoming an international star.
Jenna White (26) made it through to the last 100 of the competition but did not get enough public votes to make the top 25.
Avon Voices is seeking two extraordinary female singers with that special something to record a professionally produced album.
Up to 10 finalists will join Avon Voices celebrities to sing and record the Avon Voices Anthem, an original song by Diane Warren.
The anthem will be available to buy, with a percentage of proceeds donated to the Avon Foundation for Women for its campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Voting takes place on the Avon website and the contest is being partly judged by a panel which includes Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, Natasha Bedingfield, Delta Goodrem and other American songwriters and producers.
The global singing contest was launched on the company’s website in December last year and 6000 people entered with a 30-second video of their singing.
Jenna was the only Scot to make it through to the first round after becoming one of 182 women chosen to proceed in the competition.
She made it through another stage of the competition but, unfortunately, could not achieve her dream of making it to the next round.
However, she told The Courier the experience was one that will live with her forever and she is grateful to everyone who voted for her.
Jenna, originally from St Andrews, insists she will continue to strive to achieve her dream.Overwhelmed by support”I would like to thank all the people who voted and supported me and helped me get as far as I did,” she said. “Having so many people back me with this has been really quite overwhelming and so touching.
“I couldn’t have made it as far as I did without the help from all who voted.
“Being a part of Avon Voices has been incredible. I have had opportunities and experiences people only dream of and I will always be so grateful for that.
“To have travelled to Paris and met so many amazing, passionate women was a great encouragement and confirmation that singing really is what I am meant to do with my life.
“As Howard Thurman said, ‘Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.’ My dad quoted it to me once and it has really changed the way I look at life.
“My passion and love for singing is as strong as ever so, although my journey with Avon Voices has come to an end, I will continue to follow my dream and do what really makes me come alive.”
The competition will culminate later this year when 10 global finalists go on to join celebrity judges to record an anthem written by Diane Warren that will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala in New York City.
At the gala, two winners will be announced and will receive a chance to record a professionally produced album.
“It was thrilling to receive such strong support from voters and we hope to continue to engage people everywhere to join in the next rounds of voting and help make two women’s dreams come true,” said Joe Billone for Avon Products, Inc.
“We are very grateful to all of the round one contenders for sharing their incredible singing talents and inspiring stories. And we congratulate the women who advanced to round two.”
Photo by Flickr user visual.dichotomy.