New mom has chance to become Rising Star

Army spouse wins JBLM competition, will vie for grand prize in San Antonio

Sgt. James Hale/28th Public Affairs Detachment

What started with many was narrowed down to four. As time drew closer to the beginning of competition, two Soldiers and two spouses battled their nerves as they prepared for their last performance of the evening.

Hopeful singers from the military community were able to show their skills during the final rounds of the Operation Rising Star singing competition Sept. 29 at the Cascade Club on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Operation Rising Star is the Army’s version of the “American Idol” singing competition.

The Army’s largest installations in the world each chose one winner. Ultimately, these winners will compete in San Antonio for the grand prize of an all-inclusive trip for two to Los Angeles, a three-song recording contract and the title of the Army’s 2011Rising Star.

Danielle J. Embry, a military spouse and new mother, placed first, earning a $500 prize and a chance to compete in the finals at San Antonio.

Eva Hipps, also a military spouse, placed second and won $250. Specialist Reymond Wallace, a signal support specialist with the 56th Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, placed third and took home $100.

The first contestant of the night was Embry who sang “Knocks me off my feet” by Stevie Wonder.

“I thought the competition was a lot of fun,” Embry said. “I have never been a part of anything like this and I had a lot of fun.”

Next up to show the judges what they can do is Wallace who sings “I believe I can fly” by R. Kelly.

“I thought I was off the hook,” Wallace said. “Overall it was a good competition and I would do it again.”

The third contestant to take the stage is Staff Sgt. Lamont Atkinson who sings “Proud to be a Soldier” by Rockie Lynne.

“The competition was awesome,” Atkinson said. “There was a lot of great talent here and it gave me something to strive for each week.”

The last contestant of the night is Hipps who chooses “Stand Up for Love” by Destiny’s Child as her last performance.

“The best part of the competition was meeting new people to sing with,” Hipps said. “Since getting here, I hadn’t found anyone to sing with, and now I have some new friends and places I can go enjoy singing with them.”

“I think this is a great opportunity for Soldiers and Families to come out and have a good time,” said Elizabeth Thunstedt, a special events coordinator at the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center. “This event fosters community.”

Two judges with entertainment backgrounds praise the competitor’s strengths and offer advice on ways to improve their performances.

Darlene Begley, a retired entertainment specialist and judge for the competition, enjoys observing the contestant’s develop as entertainers, she said.

“I love watching these entertainers mature and grow throughout the contest,” Begley said. “This year we have some tough competitors.”

The contestants receive loud cheers of support from the crowd during the competition. After the first round there is a short intermission and then the final contestants return to the stage to perform one more song. At this point, the judges have chosen JBLM’s winner. This round allows the contestants to sing without the pressure of competition. Members of the audience get up and dance along as the contestants perform one last time.

Another part of the competition is the $300 spirit award. This award is presented to the unit who shows the most enthusiasm and support for their contestant. The 170th MP Company won the award by having the most people in attendance and cheering the loudest for their contestant during each night of competitions.

After winners are announced, the contestants retire to the restaurant area of the club. It is here where they receive congratulations and answer questions from the audience members. This gives them time to wind down with their families before returning to their regular routines leaving behind their small taste of the show business lifestyle.