Mountain Pointe High School student Kiana Brown is one of only four contestants left in a nationwide talent contest, which started with a field of 45,000.
The contest, called the KIDZ Star USA Talent Search, is in the final leg of online voting to select one winner.
The grand prize is a record contract with RCA/JIVE Label Group, along with the opportunity to star in a commercial and music video.
"It would be like a dream come true," Brown, 14, said. "I have been singing since I was 16 months old, and I always knew I wanted to be a performer."
Brown said she is interested in doing the performing trifecta: Acting, singing and dancing.
For the contest she recorded multiple videos that are posted onto the website, www.kidzbop.com/kidzstarusa, and one song she wrote herself.
"I put creative spins just on things I see in my own life," she said. "Like hardships and happiness, and getting over upset feelings and grudges."
Brown was recently in New York City with the other three contestants. While there, she made a tour of the city and performed several times.
She visited the "Today Show" and performed in front of Gavin DeGraw and his band.
"I really love the challenge that performing gives you and the adrenaline rush that comes with it," she said. "I have been performing since I was 3, and I really hope to do it for the rest of my life."
Help out Brown by visiting www.kidzbop.com/kidzstarusa and voting until Oct. 10.
While there, you can watch her videos and the webisodes she and the other contestants recorded while in New York City.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com
