Monday, September 15, 2008

What the Heck is Talent Quest?!?

The birthday festivities really messed up my blogging schedule, but I think I should be back on track!

So....Talent Quest. Just what is it?!? Talent Quest is a national karaoke and singing competition.

As I've mentioned before, my friends and I love karaoke. Actually, we love to sing and karaoke is just a natural fit if one loves to sing and doesn't have a spare band lying around. But for my friends and me, karaoke has been the catalyst for so many things in our lives over the past 7 to 8 years. There have been births, marriages, national successes and even deaths among our dear karaoke family and life would not be the same without it in my life.


Six years ago (or maybe it was seven......how many was it Jess?) My friend Jessica entered a local karaoke contest for a chance to win a trip to the national contest and a shot at the national title. That single act started a progression of events that brought many new experiences and friends into our lives.

Jessica ended up going to nationals the next 3 years and showed everyone else what a susperstar we always knew she was! She won the National Female Country award in 2004! During her 3 years of national competition she started working for Kim who owned a local karaoke store and who also organized and ran the local and regional qualifing contests for Talent Quest. When Kim was looking for judges, Jessica suggested me.

I started judging at the local contests in 2003 and one thing has led to another and I'm now the Regional Director for Talent Quest. It's a volunteer gig, but it's so excitind to be around people who love to sing and enjoy a good competition. Nationals take place every fall (usually in September) in Laughlin, NV at the Tropicana Express. It'll be eight days packed with lots of work, millions of questions (I'll be wokring the information table for most of the competition) and TONS of music! But don't be fooled......I love every minute of it!

Jessica had to retire from competing because her in-laws are now part owners of the competition, but I keep holding on to the hope that she'll decided to come on-board and help in the future (although I totally understand why she hasn't done it yet).

If you love to sing and want to know more about Talent Quest or would like to find a TQ contest in your area, visit the Talent Quest website and check it out. I'll be at nationals all next week, but I should be able to blog everyday while I'm there....I can't wait!!!!!

2 comments:

Jessica said...

It would have been about 6 1/2 years ago that I started competing, and 6 years since I first went to nationals. Weird how much time has passed. I definitely miss it, but I also enjoy living vicariously through you and Kim. You'll have to keep me posted on all the excitement via blog next week! I doubt you'll have any trouble coming up with fodder for your blog, that's fo' sho!!

PS Have you gotten a ride lined up for the airport?

Unknown said...

Well, if I could sing a lick I would be totally interested. I can tell my friend Julie because she is a great singer. She lives in Baltimore. I am glad you are back to blogging. Missed you! : ). Hope the Birthday week was fab U less!